BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition
by California Academy of Sciences
$5,000
BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition is a competition by California Academy of Sciences, open to students across India. Registration closes 1 Mar 2026.
Mode
Online
Fee
$25
Duration
Submissions are accepted annually from December 1 to March 1.
Format
Individual
Time needed
Varies based on the photographer's effort in capturing, editing, and submitting images.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Dec 2025
- Registration closes
- 1 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 1 Dec 2025 – 1 Mar 2026
- Results
- 30 Jun 2026
Online · Official Competition Website
About This Opportunity
The BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition is a prestigious annual event hosted by the California Academy of Sciences, celebrating the rich diversity of life on Earth. It invites photographers globally to submit images that highlight nature's splendor and inspire urgent conservation action through the power of visual storytelling.
Open to all professional and amateur photographers, the competition provides a global platform to showcase talent in capturing everything from grand landscapes to intricate wildlife details. Winners receive significant cash prizes, gain international recognition, and have their work featured in a high-profile exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences, offering unparalleled exposure.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Age Range
- - years
- Location
- Nationwide
Prerequisites
- Basic photography skills
- Access to a digital camera
The competition is open to all professional and amateur photographers worldwide, regardless of age. Employees, volunteers, board members of the California Academy of Sciences, and their immediate families are not eligible to participate.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
Rewards & Recognition
Award
$5,000
The Grand Prize winner receives $5,000. First-place winners in each of the seven categories receive $1,000 each.
Certificate
Certificate of Recognition
Up to six finalists in each category are awarded a certificate of recognition for their work.
Recognition
International recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Prestigious international competition hosted by a major scientific institution.
- Significant cash prizes totaling over $12,000 USD.
- High-profile exhibition of winning images at the California Academy of Sciences.
- Official media sponsor is bioGraphic, an online magazine about nature and regeneration.
Rounds & format
There is a single round of submission and judging.
How entries are judged
Images are judged based on their artistic composition, technical quality, and the power of the story they tell. The judging panel looks for unique perspectives that evoke emotion and inspire conservation action.
Selection process
Winners are selected by a jury of experts based on the judging criteria. The panel selects one Grand Prize winner, a first-place winner for each of the seven categories, and several finalists per category.
How to apply
- 1Register on the official BigPicture competition website.
- 2Prepare images according to the specified format (JPEG, sRGB, min 1920px on the long edge).
- 3Submit up to 10 single images per entry fee, or one photo story (6-8 images).
- 4Pay the entry fee online via credit card to complete the submission.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Entry fees are $25 USD for up to 10 single image submissions and $15 USD for each Photo Story submission (6-8 images).
Refund policy
Entry fees are non-refundable and support the competition prizes and the Academy's mission.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition?
The registration deadline is 1 Mar 2026.
Is BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition free?
$25 registration
Who can participate in BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition?
children aged -.
What will my child gain from BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition?
Win a Grand Prize of $5,000 USD.. Category winners receive $1,000 USD.. Have your work featured in an exhibition at the California Academy of Sciences.. Gain international exposure to a large audience and professional community.. Receive a certificate of recognition as a finalist..
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