Competition Type: International Nature Photography
Organizer: California Academy of Sciences
Grand Prize: $5,000 USD
Eligibility: Open Worldwide (Amateur & Professional)
Entry Fee: $25 (Single Images) | $15 (Photo Story)
Application Status: Open Now
Overview of the Opportunity
The BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition is back for its 13th year. Organized by the prestigious California Academy of Sciences, this international contest invites photographers from around the globe to showcase the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.
This is more than just a photo contest; it is a platform for conservation. The goal is to promote environmental awareness through powerful visual storytelling. Winning images are often exhibited at the Academy in San Francisco, providing massive global exposure.
Competition Categories
Participants can submit work into seven unique categories, allowing for a wide range of creative perspectives:
- Art of Nature: Abstract or artistic interpretations of nature.
- Aquatic Life: Marine and freshwater subjects (underwater or surface).
- Winged Life: Birds, insects, bats, and other flying creatures.
- Landscapes: Capturing the vastness and beauty of natural environments.
- Terrestrial Wildlife: Animals on land.
- Human/Nature: Exploring the relationship (positive or negative) between humans and the natural world.
- Photo Story: Beyond the Photo: A narrative category requiring visual storytelling.
Prizes & Recognition
Winning this competition places you among the world's best nature photographers.
- Grand Prize Winner: $5,000 USD
- First Place Winners (7 Categories): $1,000 USD each
- Exposure: Global recognition through an internationally recognized platform and the opportunity to showcase work with a leading scientific institution.
Submission Guidelines & Fees
Photographers can submit multiple images, but entry fees apply to cover administration costs.
Entry Fees
- Single Images: $25 USD allows you to upload up to 10 images across any category.
- Photo Story: $15 USD per submission. (A Photo Story includes 1 video + up to 5 supporting images).
Rules
- Ethics: All entries must follow strict ethical photography guidelines (e.g., no harassment of wildlife, no baiting, honest representation).
- Deadlines: Late or incomplete entries will not be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
- Global Access: Open to all photographers worldwide.
- Experience Level: Both Amateur and Professional photographers are welcome.
- Nationality: No nationality restrictions; entries are accepted from any country.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your best shots:
- Visit the Website: Go to the official BigPicture competition website.
- Register: Click "Register" to create an account.
- Log In: Use your credentials to access the dashboard.
- Upload: Click "Apply" or "Enter" to upload your high-resolution images and captions.
- Pay Fee: Complete the payment for your entry (Single Images or Photo Story).
- Submit: Review your details and hit "Submit."