Categories

The adult award is split into several categories. These may help provide ideas for suitable subjects to entrants of the Young Awards.

How many images and categories can I enter? Adults may enter a maximum of three images per category with two exceptions. You can enter up to eight images for the 2020 Vision award and eight images for the Season category. There is no restriction on the number of categories you may enter. If you enter all categories you could enter a maximum of forty images.

1. Animal Portraits

We are looking for an image that captures the character or spirit of the subject in an imaginative way. We want to be able to get a sense of the animal’s “personality” from the photograph. All species will be considered. Category sponsored by Corbis.

2. Animal Behaviour

Entries should show unusual or remarkable behaviour in an original and compelling composition. Show the judges something they don’t know or haven’t seen before. All species will be considered.

3. Urban Wildlife

Increasingly, wildlife can be found in our towns and cities. We are looking for an original image that shows animal adaptation to urban environments. All species will be considered. Category sponsored by London Wildlife Trust.

4. Hidden Britain

Reveal to us the secret universe that is life in the undergrowth – a life that is all around us but rarely seen. Invertebrate species only will be considered. Category sponsored by Buglife.

5. Coast and Marine

We are looking for an imaginative photograph that reveals the behaviour of marine animals or creates a sense of place or occasion. Marine animals near the sea, underwater, at the sea shore and coastal zone, only will be considered.

6. Wildlife in my Backyard

Gardens represent a vital habitat for some of our most threatened species.  We want to see stunning photos of animals in your garden, your back yard, balcony, or any space where you or your friends or family do something to encourage wildlife. All species will be considered. Category sponsored by the Countryside Council for Wales

7. Habitat

Animals in their environment and plants and their partners.  We are looking for an imaginative and original image that powerfully portrays the relationship between wildlife and its environment. This includes plants and their partners. Eg: butterfly feeding on nectar and rooks roosting in a tree. Without plants there is no life. Category sponsored by Countryside Jobs Service

8. International Year of Biodiversity

In the year when the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is highlighting the unprecedented global loss of species, this category focuses attention on our native species fighting for survival. We’re looking for inspiring images of animals that won’t be here in the future unless conservation efforts are redoubled. (Photographs of any priority species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan considered.) Category sponsored by Natural England

9. British Seasons

For this category we are looking for a stunning portfolio of 4 images. The portfolio needs to portray British wildlife at its very best in each of the four seasons; Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, or a portfolio of 4 from just one season. Each image needs to capture the essence of each season together with the wildlife subject, from any British location. The portfolio must work together as a set, themes are also encouraged. Up to two portfolios of 4 images each can be submitted. Each portfolio can either be four seasons or a single season.

10. The 2020VISION Special Award

2020VISION is the UK’s most ambitious conservation photography initiative to date.  20 of the UK’s top nature photographers will spend two years touring the country gathering an extraordinary image bank which will link healthy ecosystems to human wellbeing. This is your chance to be part of that team. Just one place is being offered to the photographer who submits a portfolio of up to 8 images which best illustrates a topical UK conservation story or theme. The subject matter is entirely the photographers choice and the judges will be looking for innovation in photographic story telling. The winner will be awarded a fully-paid for set of UK commissions within the 2020VISION strategy. Category sponsored by Wild Media Foundation.