Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions that aren’t answered here or elsewhere in the site, please let us know. Thank you.

What is the closing date?

4th June 2010 for all entries.

When will I know if I have been successful?

The judging process will begin soon after the closing date. The photographers who are short-listed will be notified soon after the closing date. They will then need to send the high resolution images, raw files, captions and technical information on DVD by post to arrive within 10 days of being notifed. If you have not heard from us by June 20th 2010 you have not been short-listed this time.

How many images 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. Young photographers under 18 can enter up to eight images and schools/groups can enter sets of portfolios – 5 images per portfolio.

 

Will you move images placed into incorrect categories?

No, it is up to you to enter them into the right category.

Can I enter the same image that's been entered into another competition?

Yes, but only if the results are not already known before the BWPA closing date 4 June 2010. Images that have been entered into a major competition where the results are still pending, are not eligible for entry. Images that have won other major competitions are ineligible. A picture that has already won a prize (winner, runner-up, or commended) in a major national or international competition (which we define as one receiving more than 500 images) cannot be entered in BWPA.

How do I submit my images?

For digital entries, please enter online. Print entries must be clearly and correctly labelled and sent by post.

Can I enter an image that has been published in a magazine or other media?

Yes. However, part of the judging criteria is originality and a widely published image may have a reduced chance of winning on these grounds.

Can I enter the same photograph in more than one category?

No. Images can be entered into one category only.

Can I get my images back after the competition?

We may return prints if requested and on receipt of a stamped, self-addressed envelope of appropriate size and value.

What images do you not accept?

Sandwich shots, double exposures, photographs which consist of more than one image in any way and images that have been manipulated outside of the rules.

Can I send in scans?

We accept high-resolution scans of slides (transparancies) or negatives.

Why do you charge a fee to enter?

The cost of running a competition is high. There are staff fees associated with organising and running the competition, the cost of designing, maintaining and managing the website, and the cost of putting on a series of nationwide exhibitions, including mounting and framing images. The competition fees help to cover these costs.

Who do I make my cheque payable to?

Please make cheques payable to “British Wildlife Photography Awards”. Cheques can only be accepted from UK banks and entries will be accepted on clearance of the cheque.

How much does it cost to enter?

Please refer to Competition Fees.

Until what age can I enter the Young Photographer Award?

You must be under 18 years old on the closing date of 4th June 2010. 

Can I pay by credit card?

Online entries can be paid for by credit card. Postal entries must be sent with a cheque.

Can I pay by PayPal?

Yes. Online entries can be paid for via PayPal.

Can I submit a TIFF file?

No. Please submit JPEG files only. If your image is successful, we will request a TIFF file for reproduction in the exhibition.

Do I have to supply RAW files with my digital images?

Not with your initial submission. However, we reserve the right to request RAW files or original camera files at any time.

Why do I have to supply original camera files?

So we can check to ensure images have not been manipulated outside of the permitted rules.

Can I use the sharpening tool?

Yes but be wary of over-sharpening.

What forms of digital processing are acceptable?

Digital adjustments including minor cleaning work, levels, curves, colour, saturation and contrast work may be undertaken. This kind of work is comparable to what would be deemed as acceptable darkroom processing techniques. The aim is to achieve a true representation of a natural form, behaviour or phenomenon.

What forms of digital processing are unacceptable?

Images where the physical characteristics of the scene at the time of taking have been altered are not eligible.

What colour mode should I submit images in?

Images should be submitted in the Adobe 1998 RGB colour space.

Can I use cropping?

Yes, cropping is allowed, but please bear in mind that cropping reduces the file size and therefore high levels of cropping could result in the deterioration of image quality.

How do I change the embedded colour profile (colour space)?

In Photoshop, you can change the embedded colour profile to Adobe 1998 RGB by going to Image >> Mode and selecting RGB.

How does the short-listing process work?

The judging process is anonymous. Short-listing will take place soon after the closing date 4 June 2010.

You may wish to have your images and other information (see below) ready to send if you are going to be away at this time. We will contact you by email and phone as soon as we can after the closing date, so please do give all your phone contact numbers on the registration forms.

If you are successful in reaching this stage of the judging process please be prepared to post your: images, raw files, captions and technical info (on CD or DVD) urgently at this time. You will have around 10 days to deliver by post. 

If you have not heard anything by 20 June 2010 you not have not been short-listed.

If you need my original files, how big should they be?

If you are successful in being short-listed for the final round of judging will we request your largest file (TIF or JPEG). The file should be as large as you can achieve with your equipment, enabling highest technical quality possible and ability to print your images for the exhibition. More experienced photographers should aim for file sizes from 18MB upwards, (e.g. 6 million pixel camera on its highest setting) without interpolation.

Please keep your original RAW, JPEG and Tiff files - these may be requested at any time.