Photography competitions to enter in 2017

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Wildlife Photographer of the Year

2. Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Entwined Lives: Tim Laman won the overall title with his image of a male Bornean orangutan, climbing an emergent tree in its dwindling habitat

Wacky about wildlife? Good news: the world’s most iconic nature competition is opening its doors again – for the 54th year running! As usual, it’s run in association with the Natural History Museum, and you can expect the playing field to be as diverse as ever. In 2016, winners were selected from over 5,000 entries and 95 countries.

The jury is looking for shots that push the artistic and technical boundaries of wildlife photography. Whether it’s an intimate portrait of a creepy crawly or a serene seascape, try to make your entries original. There are 16 specific categories, including Animal Behaviour, Earth’s Environments and the Photojournalist Award. Quality needs to be top-notch, but the contest is inclusive to all.

Why not start with a subject in your local area? Get to know nearby wildlife, revisit often and really learn their habits. Keep an eye on the website for the key dates.

Judge’s comment “A vital story is captured in one frame. We need photography like this to bring stories across to us afresh. It touches our hearts and our minds, and just might help support actions to stop destruction.”
Lewis Blackwell

Winner's tip: Tim Laman, 2016

Patience and subject knowledge are key to success. Field biologist and photographer Tim Laman knew the orangutan would revisit this spot. After three days of climbing up and down, he hid several GoPro cameras in the canopy, triggering them remotely from the forest floor when he saw the orangutan climbing.

Prizes

The big prize is £10,000 ($12,000), plus a trophy and a personalised certificate. Each category has a substantial cash prize, and all shortlisted entrants are invited to a prestigious awards ceremony at the museum.