Portfolio – Wildlife, Nature & Underwater

The natural world enchants and amazes, both with its beauty and with its behaviours and adaptations. Nature is all around us, in the air, on land and underwater. From giant mammals like elephants or blue whales, to the tiniest insect or phytoplankton, they are all part of the wild world spectrum. According to the IUCN Red List, extinction threatens numerous species, and photography has a vital role to play in protecting the natural world through awareness, education and its conservation. Biodiversity continues to decline, but there are many success stories too, and this category celebrates these as well. Whatever the wildlife or sea life, it has the power to inspire and make us marvel. 

What subjects can you include?

In a portfolio of four images (colour or black & white) we would like you to show us the natural world, its amazing wildlife – big or small – and the habitat that sustains that wildlife. Subjects may be photographed as portraits or close ups, or within their environment, and can include aspects of behaviour and/or conservation projects. Your images can show the natural world, on land, in the air or underwater – animals, birds, insects, flora and fauna, fish and other sealife. You can show the beauty or the challenges the natural world faces, the conservation efforts, the positive stories and the fights for survival.

What are the judges looking for?

Your images should capture any aspect of the natural world, showing either its beauty and magnificence or the struggles it faces with a changing climate, habitat or the conflicts with people. We want to see originality and the story of your chosen species told through you images.

How many images?

Four images per portfolio.

Am I eligible?

This category is open to all photographers aged 19 and above.

How many times can I enter?

You can enter this category as many times as you like.

What is the category entry fee?

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 6th 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 £1250, Radiant Photo imaging software plus membership of the Royal Photographic Society.

The judges will also select their favourite image from all the submitted portfolios. The winner of the Best Single Image award for each portfolio category receives a Genesis Imaging giclée exhibition print.

Special portfolio category award: ALL finalists in the portfolio categories will be considered for one of two special judges’ awards. The three selected finalists (who can come from any of the four portfolio categories) will have a portfolio review by a leading New York photographer’s agent, Frank Meo.

Header Image © Jason Edwards

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