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National Wildlife Photo Contest

ENTER CONTEST

Now in its 54th year, the prestigious National Wildlife® Photo Contest celebrates wildlife, habitats and the natural world, with an emphasis on conservation and ethical photography honoring the well-being of animals in the wild. All entries support the National Wildlife Federation's conservation mission, which is dedicated to saving wildlife species and habitats. Amateur and professional photographers alike are encouraged to share their best images of wildlife and wild lands, from around the world and their own backyards.

Submit images in one or more of these nine categories:
* Birds: Of any species
* Mammals: Of any species
* Baby Animals: Young of any species
* Other Wildlife: Underwater life, reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders, macro and more
* Landscapes & Plants: From broad vistas to single blooms
* People in Nature: Responsibly enjoying wildlife or the outdoors
* Mobile: Taken with phones or tablets
* Young Nature Photographers: Open to ages 13 to 17
* Portfolio: A collection of up to 10 images built around a common theme related to nature or conservation

Fees:

Paid

Prizes:

* Grand Prize: One winner receives a cash prize of $5,000.
* Portfolio Prize: One winner receives a cash prize of $750.
* First Place: One winner in each of the eight subject categories receives a cash prize of $500.
* Second Place: One winner in each of the eight subject categories receives a cash prize of $250.
* Honorable Mentions: Each receives a certificate of distinction and a National Wildlife Federation calendar.
All winners will be announced in a press release, highlighted through our social media channels and published in print and/or online in early 2026.

Eligibility:

NWPC is open to all photographers worldwide who are at least 13 years of age, except employees and board members of NWF, their immediate families, and individuals living in the same household as such employees and board members (“Entrants”). NWF reserves the right to verify, in its sole judgment, Entrants eligibility. Entrants 13 to 17 years of age (“Youth Entrants”) MUST enter only the Youth category (“Young Nature Photographers”) and MUST obtain verified parental or guardian consent as set forth herein prior to entering the NWPC. Entrants 18 years or older (“General Entrants”) are prohibited from entering the Youth category.

Copyrights & Usage Rights:

Entrants retain ownership and all other rights to future use of the photographs they enter except for the following: Your entry to the contest constitutes your agreement to allow your entered photographs—and your name, occupation, city, state, country of residence and photo information—to be published as Winners or Honorable Mentions in National Wildlife magazine and on the NWF website, and you grant to NWF and its licensees the perpetual, worldwide non-exclusive license to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the entry (along with a name credit) in connection with the National Wildlife® Photo Contest (“NWPC”), including but not limited to the promotion of the NWPC and National Wildlife magazine, in any media now or hereafter known, including but not limited to the online PhotoZone articles and features, and use in NWF photography exhibits. From time to time we feature Entrants' non-donated images on our commercial products and services, however we will contact you for permission prior to use.

Theme:

Nature Wildlife Multi-categories Environmental Landscape Macro/Micro People Underwater