One Shot Category Theme
Step away from the noise. Step into something real.
In a world driven by urgency, pressure, and constant distraction, reconnecting with nature is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. This category invites you to slow down, look deeper, and rediscover the raw, restorative power of the natural world.
Whether you find yourself in a quiet local park, deep within a forest, crossing open landscapes, or immersed in movement – swimming, cycling, or riding through the countryside – nature offers both intensity and calm. It challenges the senses while restoring the spirit.
This is your opportunity to capture that balance in a single, decisive frame. Not just what nature looks like – but what it feels like to be part of it. So make it count.
What subjects can you include?
This category is about true immersion – not observation from a distance, but connection. Show us what it means to experience nature.
Your subject might be:
- The stillness of a hidden woodland path
- The energy of wind, water, or changing weather
- Human interaction with the landscape – subtle, respectful, and authentic
- Details that reveal nature’s depth when you take the time to look closer
- Moments of solitude, exploration, or discovery off the beaten track
- … and more
Keep thinking, be creative and feel free to submit whatever comes to mind on the theme of „In Nature“. But avoid the obvious. Go beyond postcard views and challenge yourself to look deeper, to move slower, and to capture something that reveals not just the natural world – but its impact on us.
This category is a standalone award and entries are not considered in selecting the winner of the overall title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2026. However the winning image will be automatically eligible for the Travel Image of the Year 2026 award.
What are the judges looking for?
A single image which captures a sense or place, how nature enriches our lives, it’s beauty and richness or what nature contributes to our lives and well being. Nature brings us a slower, more in-depth and healthy world – calm, away from fast-paced, busy lives. It’s more sustainable, low impact travel. Look carefully and nature brings a wealth of amazing photo opportunities.
How many images?
One (1) image per entry.
Am I eligible?
This category is open to all photographers.
How many times can I enter?
You can enter this category more than once and as many times as you’d like to.
What is the category entry fee?
Entry options:
TPOTY Pass – unlimited entries until 16th July 2026 for a single £99 fee
- Single image entry = £14
OR ENTERING MORE THAN ONE IMAGE
- Two One Shot single images = £20
OR
- ‘Two Plus Four’ 12-image combination of 4 One Shot entries and 2 four-image portfolios entered at the same time = £59 (full price £104 if entered individually).
OR
- ‘Ten Image Combination’ of between 6 and 10 One Shot images = £59 (full price up to £120 if entered individually).
Do I need to shoot new material to be able to enter this category?
No! We have always allowed entrants to submit images from their archives – i.e. contemporary photography shot in recent years – and have always said that ‘travel starts when you leave your home’. So it’s your choice. You can travel locally or travel further afield. Entries close on 12th October.
Digital Manipulation
Please see the information on digital manipulation and note that entrants who are shortlisted as finalists will be required to provide the original image files (RAW or jpeg as shot).
No AI generated images will be allowed and any entered will be disqualified.
Prizes
The winner of this category will receive £500 plus Radiant Photo imaging software.
HEADER IMAGE © GEOFF SHOULTS
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