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Top Wildlife Photography Competitions

Looking to share your work with the world or gain recognition as a wildlife photographer? These respected competitions are open to both emerging and established photographers. They can bring exposure, awards, and sometimes even publication or exhibitions. Below is a curated list of top wildlife photography contests worth entering. See some of Johan Siggesson's awards See Johan Siggesson's Award winning wildlife photography for sale


Johan Siggesson in front of his award-winning image at European Wildlife Photographer of The Year.
Johan Siggesson in front of his award-winning image at European Wildlife Photographer of The Year.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPOTY)

  • Hosted by: Natural History Museum, London

  • Opens: Around October each year

  • Closes: Early December

  • Why enter: One of the most prestigious wildlife competitions in the world. Winning images are exhibited globally and often published in books and media.

  • Visit the competition


GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year

  • Hosted by: Society of German Nature Photographers (GDT)

  • Opens: Around January

  • Closes: End of March

  • Why enter: This is a respected contest with a European emphasis but global reach. The jury often favors mood, creativity, story and natural behavior.

  • Visit the competition


Nature’s Best Photography Awards

  • Hosted by: Nature’s Best Photography

  • Opens: Typically January

  • Closes: Around May

  • Why enter: Winners are featured in Smithsonian exhibitions and high-profile print magazines. Strong global following and reputation.

  • Visit the competition


BigPicture Natural World Photography

  • Hosted by: California Academy of Sciences

  • Opens: Late fall

  • Closes: March

  • Why enter: This competition has well-defined categories and strong conservation themes. Excellent exposure in science and nature circles.

  • Visit the competition


MontPhoto

  • Hosted by: MontPhoto Association, Spain

  • Opens: March

  • Closes: May

  • Why enter: MontPhoto is known for honoring storytelling and ethical photography. Winning entries are often poetic, personal and powerful.

  • Visit the competition


African Wildlife Foundation Photography Awards

  • Hosted by: AWF

  • Opens: Usually mid-year

  • Closes: September

  • Why enter: A focused competition that highlights Africa’s wildlife and habitats. Strong conservation message and visibility within the African continent.

  • Visit the competition


Nature TTL Photographer of the Year

  • Hosted by: Nature TTL

  • Opens: Early in the year

  • Closes: April

  • Why enter: Free to enter, with a growing community and solid online presence. Great platform for new voices and fresh perspectives.

  • Visit the competition


The Nature Conservancy Photo Contest

  • Hosted by: The Nature Conservancy

  • Opens: Around August

  • Closes: Late September

  • Why enter: Open to all skill levels, with strong environmental messaging. Winners are featured across TNC’s global platforms.

  • Visit the competition


  • Hosted by: WildlifePhoto.com

  • Structure: Ongoing monthly challenges and annual contests

  • Why enter: Includes educational resources and critique. Great for growing skills and visibility within the wildlife photography community.

  • Visit the competition


Environmental Photographer of the Year

  • Hosted by: CIWEM & WaterBear

  • Opens: Typically May

  • Closes: July

  • Why enter: Focused on environmental and climate themes. Good platform for photojournalistic wildlife and habitat work.

  • Visit the competition


Audubon Photography Awards

  • Hosted by: National Audubon Society

  • Opens: January

  • Closes: March

  • Why enter: Bird-focused contest with high credibility. Winners are published and toured in exhibitions across the U.S.

  • Visit the competition


Ocean Photographer of the Year

  • Hosted by: Oceanographic Magazine

  • Opens: Spring

  • Closes: Summer

  • Why enter: Celebrates the beauty and fragility of ocean life. If you shoot marine wildlife, this is a top-tier platform.

  • Visit the competition



Final Thoughts

Entering competitions is not just about winning. It is about sharing your voice, challenging yourself and connecting with others who care about the natural world. These wildlife photography contests offer meaningful opportunities to grow, gain exposure and support the stories that matter. Whether you are just starting out or have been photographing wildlife for years, there is a place for your work here.

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