British Wildlife Photography Awards - Call for Entries

Now in its third year, the British Wildlife Photography Awards were established to recognise the talents of wildlife photographers working in Britain, while at the same time highlighting the great wealth and diversity of Britain’s natural history.
The driving motivation to set up the Awards evolved through the nation’s growing awareness of the environment and the need for its protection.

hare Haughty Hare by Mark Sisson

British Wildlife Photography Awards

A Celebration of British Wildlife
Win a prestigious photography award and cash prize of £5,000
£20,000 prize fund
Winners will have their work showcased in a national touring exhibition and in a stunning book
Three new categories including a video award

There are 11 main categories to excite the imagination, as well as three special awards to encourage young people and school children to connect with nature. Unlike other wildlife competitions the Awards are uniquely British.

At a time when wildlife, habitat and conservation is to the fore, the Awards aim to encourage photographers, whether enthusiast or professional, to explore Britain’s natural and urban environments, and discover its bounty of wildlife species, from birds to mammals; insects to marine life.

With a prize fund of up to £20,000 and the overall winner receiving a cash prize of £5,000, the images receiving judges’ commendations will form part of a series of nationwide exhibitions. The British Wildlife Photography Awards aim to set the standard for wildlife photography in the UK for many years to come.

Red Kite in snow by Danny Green

There are 3 NEW categories:
1. Documentary series

The judges will be seeking the most innovative photographic story, with a portfolio (up to 6 images). It can be about any aspect of British wildlife, a conservation project or environmental issue.

2. A living Landscape, Connectivity

Being connected to the natural world is great for our health, our happiness and for the future. All are inextricably linked. And so The Wildlife Trusts are working on a recovery plan for nature. It’s their vision to create a resilient environment; one rich in wildlife and great for people. What they call A Living Landscape.

This category is purposefully open to interpretation to encourage creativity and fresh and imaginative responses. Connectivity might be physical, sensory, seasonal or otherwise. We are keen to see how this category captures the imagination and how connectivity within the UK landscape is defined. Positive images illustrating how habitats, species, communities and individuals are all connected, and interconnect, within our natural environment, both in rural and urban settings, are encouraged. Whether images capture an imaginative or purely narrative approach; are simple or complex, all will be breath-taking, mesmerising and powerful.

3. Wildlife on Video

The judges will be looking for the most inspirational and dynamic sequence (up to a minute) which clearly illustrates the unique power of video as a medium for capturing British wildlife. Any aspect of British wildlife will be considered.

This could be a short film:
1) Creating a memorable portrait of a British wildlife species
2) Highlighting a specific conservation issue related to British wildlife
3) Showing unusual or remarkable behaviour
4) About an individual animal such as a local fox who visits your garden or a special rescue case.
5) On a specific area/reserve that is special to you.

Awards and Prizes:

British Wildlife Photographer - £5,000

Each Category prize - £1,000 worth of equipment Including: (or equivalent)
Canon PowerShot G12 – Camera
Canon Pixma Pro 9000 MK II - Printer
RSPB Binoculars

Video Award - Canon LEGRIA HF S21 High Definition Digital Camcorder (value £969.00)

Young Awards
There are also three special awards to encourage participation by young people, schools and youth community groups.

Young British Wildlife Photographer (Up to 11) - £300

Young British Wildlife Photographer (12 - 18) - £500

School, Youth and Community Group Award - £3,000 worth of Serif Design Software and Video Camera.

Ponies Wild Welsh ponies by Gail Johnson

Sponsors and Supporters

The competition is sponsored by Canon, WWF, The Wildlife Trusts, RSPB, Countryside Council for Wales, Buglife, Serif, Genesis Imaging and Outdoor Photography.

Supported by: Natural England, The National Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage, Towergate Camerasure and Country Side Jobs Service.

Dates:

The competition will be open for entries on 1st February 2011. The closing date is Thursday 2rd of June 2011. Entrants will be able to submit entries on-line or via post.

Further information

For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, a full description of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please visit the competition website.