Wildlife photography remains one of the most competitive and rewarding genres in the photography world. Whether you're a seasoned pro with a library of perfectly-timed predator shots or an enthusiastic amateur who captured something magical on a weekend hike, there's a competition out there for you.
We've reviewed dozens of wildlife photography contests open in 2026 and selected the ones that offer genuine value to photographers — fair rights terms, meaningful prizes, and credible judging panels.
Top Picks for 2026
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Run by the Natural History Museum in London, WPY remains the gold standard. The 2026 edition accepts entries across multiple categories including animal behaviour, plants and fungi, and underwater. Entry fees are reasonable, and crucially, photographers retain full copyright. Winning images are exhibited worldwide and published in a bestselling book.
Why enter: Unmatched prestige. A WPY commendation on your CV opens doors.
Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY)
Based in the Netherlands, NPOTY has grown significantly in recent years. Categories cover everything from mammals to landscapes to creative nature photography. The competition is known for its transparent judging process and strong community.
Why enter: Excellent rights terms, growing international reputation, and a genuinely engaged community of nature photographers.
BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition
Organised by the California Academy of Sciences, BigPicture focuses on conservation storytelling. If your wildlife images tell a story about the natural world and our relationship with it, this is your competition.
Why enter: Conservation focus means impactful images beat technical perfection. Strong exhibition programme.
Bird Photographer of the Year
For avian specialists, BPOY has established itself as the premier bird photography contest. Categories range from bird behaviour to conservation and garden birds. The competition attracts entries from over 100 countries.
Why enter: Specialist focus means less competition from generalists. Excellent prize fund and publication opportunities.
What to Watch Out For
Not every wildlife competition is worth entering. Before submitting, always check:
- Rights terms: Does the organiser claim extended usage rights? Some competitions use your images in perpetuity for marketing. We flag these in our listings.
- Entry fees vs prizes: A high entry fee with vague prizes is a red flag.
- Judging panel: Are the judges named and credible? Anonymous judging panels should raise questions.
- Exhibition and publication: Will winning images be shown or published? This exposure is often more valuable than cash prizes.
Free Wildlife Competitions Worth Entering
Several excellent wildlife competitions are free to enter, removing financial barriers. Look for conservation-focused contests run by NGOs and museums — these tend to have the fairest terms and the most meaningful impact for your work.
Browse our full wildlife competition listings to find the right contest for your work, complete with rights ratings and deadline tracking.