2024 Wildlife Photography Competition

Common frog, Penryn campus. Image by Ben Hancock-Smith

Common frog, Penryn campus. Image by Ben Hancock-Smith

2024 Wildlife Photography Competition

Our Wildlife Photography Competition - is back!

Whether you’re an experienced wildlife photographer or new to photography, our 2024 Wildlife Photography Competition is here for you! Please send in those special wildlife moments you’ve captured on camera - and let's celebrate Cornwall's incredible biodiversity!

Featuring five categories that encapsulate Cornwall’s wildlife and natural beauty - as well as a ‘Young Photographer’ category for those under 18 years of age - our wildlife photography competition is open to all!

With top local wildlife and photography experts amongst the judging panel, those who make the final round of any category will have the chance to have their photography exhibited at Truro Cathedral and be invited to a special exhibition launch night later in the year. Plus, there are prizes and trophies up for grabs!

The 2024 Wildlife Photography Competition is open for entry from 22nd July and closes at 23:59 (GMT+1) on 31st August 2024.

Finalists will be announced by 16th September 2024. Winners announced from 17th October 2024.

Thank you to our sponsors South West Optics, Wildanet and Classic Cottages for making this year’s competition possible. To our judging panel Cheryl Marriott, Adrian Langdon, Karin Aldridge and Claire Ireland. And thank you to Truro Cathedral for holding our exhibition from 18th October - 13th November.

Please see full Terms and Conditions prior to entering.

Enter

Categories

This year's categories provide plenty of opportunity to capture new angles and perspectives. Each category encourages photographers to engage with the environment in meaningful and creative ways, presenting a unique challenge, and the opportunity to capture the extraordinary beauty of the wild.

Photographers must take all reasonable care not to disturb wildlife and the local environment in the pursuit of images. The welfare of the wildlife subject of any photograph is of greater importance than the photograph itself. 

Please read 'Wildlife photography best practice' prior to participating.

All images must have been taken in Cornwall.

*Sponsorship opportunities are still available!*

Enquire

Kestrel in stoop mode, Kenneggy Cove by Andy Maher

(C) Kestrel in stoop mode, Kenneggy Cove by Andy Maher

1. Feathered Friends

Birds in all their glory are the stars of the "Feathered Friends" category. Cornwall is home to an array of bird species, each with its unique behaviour and beauty. Photographers can submit images of birds in flight, on the ground, hunting, or simply showcasing their vibrant plumage. This category celebrates avian diversity and the graceful, sometimes dramatic, lives of birds in their natural habitats.

This category is proudly sponsored by South West Optics

Enter
Wrasse amongst a kelp bed

(c) Wrasse and kelp, Matt Slater

2. Ocean Wonders

"Ocean Wonders" celebrates the spectacular biodiversity found in Cornwall's coastal and underwater environments. Photographers are encouraged to capture everything from majestic sea creatures to the intricate details of tidal pools.

*SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE!* Find out more!

Enter
Weevil on dandelion head

Weevil on dandelion head, Drift Reservoir by Jethro Haynes

3. Micro Marvels

The "Micro Marvels" category delves into the world of tiny creatures and intricate details. Macro photography brings small subjects into sharp focus, revealing the incredible complexity and beauty of insects, arachnids, fungi, and other minute wonders of nature. This category challenges photographers to explore and highlight the fascinating microcosms that are usually hidden from the naked eye.

*SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE!* Find out more!

Enter
Walkers on the Cheesewring

(C) Walkers on the Cheesewring, Georgie Ball

4. Terrestrial Treasures

Showcasing the diverse landscapes and land-dwelling wildlife of Cornwall, "Terrestrial Treasures" highlights the rich variety of habitats from woodlands and meadows to moors and cliffs. Participants can focus on mammals, reptiles, insects, and plants, capturing the intricate relationships and stunning beauty found in terrestrial ecosystems. This category is all about bringing the natural world on land to life through compelling imagery.

This category is proudly sponsored by Wildanet.

Enter
Redshanks playing

Redshanks, RSPB Hayle reserve by Barry Smith

5. Nature's Comedy

Wildlife can be both beautiful and amusing. The "Nature's Comedy" category seeks to capture the humorous side of nature, whether it’s animals in funny poses, unexpected interactions, or quirky behaviours. This light-hearted category celebrates the joy and laughter that nature can bring, showing that the wild world is full of surprises and delight.

*SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE!* Find out more!

Enter
Common frog in home garden pond

(C) Common frog in home garden pond, Truro by Ellie Lacey

Young Photographer (under 18s only)

For children aged under 18 years. Photos can be of any of the five categories above and the winner will be awarded the title ‘Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Young Photographer of the Year 2024’.

Encouraging the next generation of nature enthusiasts and photographers, this category allows young talent to shine, capturing the natural world from a fresh perspective. It aims to inspire a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation among young people, fostering their creativity and connection to the environment.

This category is proudly sponsored by Classic Cottages.

Enter
Seagrass Carlyon Bay

(C) Matt Slater

BONUS CATEGORY! - The People's Choice Award

Those fortunate to make the final round will be automatically entered into the ‘People’s Choice’ award – where the best photo will be voted by the public with the winner receiving the ‘2024 People’s Choice Award’. This category gives everyone a voice in celebrating the beauty and wonder of Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places.

Voting expected to take place from October 2024. 'People's Choice' winner announced on the 30th of November 2024. 

Terms and conditions

These terms and conditions govern the Cornwall Wildlife Trust 2024 Wildlife Photography Competition. The competition organisers are Cornwall Wildlife Trust. By accepting the terms and conditions of the competition and subsequently submitting your photographs, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

The organisers reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions without notice.

Please read the 2024 Wildlife Photography Competition terms and conditions document prior to entering. 

Terms & Conditions

Eligibility

1) The competition is free of charge and open to residents of the UK but not to those of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's senior management team and F&C department, or members of the judging panel.

2) The organiser cannot be held responsible for any problems uploading images.

3) Photographers must ensure they have the permission of anyone pictured in the image (or, where the image shows any persons under 18, the consent of their parent/guardian) and do not infringe the copyright of any third party. Cornwall Wildlife Trust is not responsible for seeking this permission.

4) Photographers will be asked to declare that the images they are submitting comply with the competition rules and that the picture information they provide is complete, true and accurate. Images that do not comply with all specifications will not be considered by the judges.

5) If you are under the age of 18 your parent or guardian will be required to submit the application on your behalf. By submitting an entry for the competition, consent has been granted to the use of the entry as described in these terms and conditions.

6) In addition, photographers who are successful in making the final round must be able to provide and/or upload images that are suitable for A1 or A0 print. Recommended requirements are; minimum image size - 4032 x 3024 pixels (12MP), file type - maximum quality jpeg file. If an image(s) is unsuitable for A1 or A0 print, Cornwall Wildlife Trust will be in contact for a satisfactory version(s). Failing to provide a suitable image(s) may reduce your chances of progressing to the final round. 

7) Those in doubt as to their eligibility must contact the organisers for clarification before entering. The organiser’s decision on eligibility is final. Please email wildlifephotocompetition@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

What to enter

8) All images must have been taken in Cornwall.

9) Recommended image size: 4032 x 3024 pixels (12MP)

10) Required file format: maximum quality jpeg file. Please do not compress the image file.

11) Landscape and portrait format accepted.

12) Entries submitted must not have won any previous Art & Photography competitions or placed as finalists in Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s 2023 Wildlife Photography competition, or have been entered into any current competition, which restricts entry to other competitions.

13) Photographers must take all reasonable care not to disturb wildlife and the local environment in the pursuit of images. Subjects photographed in a studio setting or a captive environment are not eligible. Domestic pets are not eligible. The welfare of the wildlife subject of any photograph is of greater importance than the photograph itself  entries which show evidence of undue disturbance or stress imparted on the subject by the photographer will be disqualified. Please take care to avoid damage to the environment in the process of your photography.

How to enter

14) Open date for entries is 22nd July 2024. Closing date for entries is 18th August 2024. Finalists to be contacted and announced by 16th September 2024. Winners announced from 17th October 2024.

15) All images must be entered via the form on the Cornwall Wildlife Trust 2024 Wildlife Photography Competition Entry Page: https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/2024-wildlife-photography-competition-entry-pageAny other form of entry will not be accepted.

16) Up to four images may be entered per person. Any further images submitted will not be accepted.

17) Images must be entered into either of the 1-5 categories below. The ‘Young Photographer’ category is only open to those under 18 years of age. No image can be entered into more than one category. Any images submitted into a 1-5 category by an entrant under 18 years of age, will be relocated to the ‘Young Photographer’ category.

  1. Feathered Friends
  2. Ocean Wonders
  3. Micro Marvels
  4. Terrestrial Treasures
  5. Nature's Comedy
  6. Young photographer (under 18 only)

18) Images submitted must include the name and contact details of the photographer/entrant or parent/guardian if entrant is under 18 years old, the category you are entering and information on the subject e.g. species and location.

19) ‘Young photographer’ category (6) photo entries can be any of the 1-5 categories above. A parent or guardian will be required to submit the application on behalf of the entrant. Those entering this category on behalf of their spouse or ward will be required to submit photos to the ‘Young Photographer’ category only, and include their name, contact details, address, date of birth and entrant’s (child/ward’s) name. Photos submitted to the Young Photographer category will only be eligible for this category.

20) Faithful representation of the subject must be maintained. Minor digital adjustments are only acceptable if limited to cleaning (removing dust spots), levels, curves, colour, saturation and contrast work. Sharpening and minimal cropping is allowed. Images should be representative of the true scene through the viewfinder without elements added or removed.

21) Images must not include any date stamp, watermark, signature or professional logo.

22) All photographers must comply with Natural England legislation when photographing protected species. See https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/category/protected-sites-and-species/

Judging and prizes

23) The final round will consist of one winning photograph and four runner-up photographs per each category. 30 in total.

Category

Feathered Friends

Ocean Wonders

Micro Marvels

Terrestrial Treasures

Nature's Comedy

Young Photographer (under 18s only)

People's Choice*

Winner

One

One

One

One

One

One

One

Prize

Trophy
2025 Calendar

Trophy
2025 Calendar

Trophy
2025 Calendar

Trophy
2025 Calendar

Trophy
2025 Calendar

Trophy
2025 Calendar

Trophy
2025 Calendar

Runners up

Four

Four

Four

Four

Four

Four

None

Prize (per runner up)

Certificate
2025 Calendar

Certificate
2025 Calendar

Certificate
2025 Calendar

Certificate
2025 Calendar

Certificate
2025 Calendar

Certificate
2025 Calendar

n/a

 

24)  Judges will be appointed by the organiser and will select winning images based upon technical skill, originality and creativity. Judging will be anonymous. Names of entrants will be removed during the judging process.

25) Judging will take place in August and photographers who are successful in making the final round will be notified directly by 31st August 2024. Entrants must provide an email address and telephone number when submitting images for this purpose. In the event that a winner is non-contactable, their entry will be forfeited and another will be chosen. We will not post the names and details of entrants aged under 18 years online without the entrant's parental or guardian's consent. Unsuccessful entrants will be notified via email.

26) *The Peoples’ Choice Award will be chosen by public vote. Winner announced 30th November 2024.

27) The organiser’s decision on all matters relating to the competition is final, and no correspondence will be entered into concerning the competition's judging and organisation.

28) The organiser reserves the right to substitute prizes. No alternative, cash or otherwise, will be given for any prizes. The prizes are non-transferable.

29) Due to the high number of entries expected individual feedback is not possible.

30) A list of winner prizes can be found above.

Ownership, copyright and use of images

31) Cornwall Wildlife Trust is the sole owner of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust 2024 Wildlife Photography Competition.

32) You must be the sole author and owner of the copyright for all images entered. You will retain copyright of your entries at all times. Cornwall Wildlife Trust will make every effort to ensure that name credits are given to any photograph published in any medium for any purpose.

33) By entering your images into the competition and should your image(s) be shortlisted for the final round, you grant Cornwall Wildlife Trust permission to reproduce the images to display at an exhibition (at a chosen location or locations) and any other marketing purposes (e.g. press and media, Wild Cornwall Magazine) connected to the 2024 Wildlife Photography Competition and future Cornwall Wildlife Trust Wildlife Photography Competitions.

34) By entering your images into this competition, media and press will be allowed to use photographs that make the final round, free of charge for purposes connected to the competition. The organiser will insist that images are credited to the photographer but cannot be held responsible for errors and omissions.

35) Where consent has been given via the optional opt-in question on the entry form, you grant Cornwall Wildlife Trust a non-exclusive, irrevocable licence to freely use your submitted image(s) for display at any of their sites, or in any future fundraising and marketing materials (printed and online) that are not linked to the Wildlife Photography Competition. All images will be credited to the photographer and will not be passed on for use by third parties without prior permission.

Indemnity and Limitation of Liability

36) To the maximum extent permitted by law, Cornwall Wildlife Trust excludes its liability for any loss, damage, injury, cost or expense suffered by you, whether directly or indirectly and howsoever caused, in connection with the competition and use of any prize. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s liability for death or personal injury arising from Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s own negligence or any other liability that cannot, as a matter of law, be excluded.

37) You agree to indemnify Cornwall Wildlife Trust and keep Cornwall Wildlife Trust indemnified against any loss, damage, injury, cost or expense suffered by Cornwall Wildlife Trust as a result of your entry in the competition, including (but not limited to) any claim of infringement of intellectual property rights made by any third party.

Privacy and data protection

38) Cornwall Wildlife Trust is compliant with the data protection act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our policy is such that we will not pass on any details to any third party without prior consent.

39) We will keep your details on our secure database to enable us to administrate the competition, use your images (see usage rights) and contact you with news directly relating to this competition.

40) We value your privacy and promise to keep your personal details safe and secure, and we will never sell your data. You can read our full privacy policy at https://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/privacy-policy-and-tcs

41) The promoter of this competition is Cornwall Wildlife Trust whose registered office is Five Acres, Allet, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DJ. Registered charity number 214929.

General

42) The information given in these Terms & Conditions is correct, but Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserves the right to change any of it without prior notice. By entering the competition, entrants will be deemed to have agreed to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. Any breach of these Terms by an entrant will void their entry. If a breach has occurred but is discovered after the award of a prize, then the organisers may require the return of that prize.

43) Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Web Privacy Policy applies to the competition and use of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photography Competition website.

44) You agree that if you are a winner or a runner-up you will take part in and cooperate fully with reasonable publicity and to the use of your name and photograph in such publicity, for example, the publication of photograph(s) with your name in Wild Cornwall Magazine.

45) These Terms and Conditions shall be governed and construed in accordance with English Law and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Downloads

2024 Wildlife Photography Competition T&Cs

Bird on camera

(c)Chris Maguire

Wildlife photography best practice

HOW-TO
Barn owl

©Andy Rouse/2020VISION

An introduction to wildlife photography

HOW-TO

Judging panel

Cheryl Marriott - Director of Nature & People, Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Cheryl Marriot, Head of Conservation at Cornwall Wildlife Trust

(c)Suzanne Johnson Photography

Cheryl has been with Cornwall Wildlife Trust since 2004, after gaining experience in various nature conservation across the UK. As a pragmatic conservationist she is interested in working collaboratively with other industries to find joint solutions to the ecological crisis.

Cheryl has a particular interest in new approaches, especially those involving rewilding principles. Her involvement in the Cornwall Beaver Project has been a career highlight!

Cheryl’s wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience with wildlife and conservation adds a special element to the judging panel.

Adrian Langdon - Chair of Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photographic Group

Adrian Langdon sat on a cliff top

(c) Adrian Langdon

Adrian Langdon ARPS, DPAGB has photographed his home county of Cornwall for over 50 years, concentrating on the natural world for the majority of that time.

He gained an Associateship with the Royal Photographic Society in nature photography and was awarded a Distinction of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain.

Adrian has chaired the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photographic Group for over 15 years and leads workshops and gives lectures across the South West. 

He has judged numerous international salons and exhibitions as well as judging in local photographic clubs.

A keen volunteer, he has been a reserve warden at Walmsley sanctuary for 26 years and uses his photography to help identify seals with the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust and many Cornwall Wildlife Trust projects.

Karin Aldridge - Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photographic Group Member

Karin Aldridge portrait

(c) Karin Aldridge

Karin Aldridge took up photography 12 years ago and is an active member of Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photographic Group, and Falmouth Camera Club. She enjoys many genres of photography, particularly wildlife, and concentrating on insects and flowers.

Karin has won awards for her photographs at both clubs, as well as at the Western Counties Photographic Federation and Cornwall Photographic Alliance, (CPA), including best nature photograph in 2021.

Karin leads and participates in many of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photographic Group field trips and is a CPA judge, who judges competitions at camera clubs in Cornwall including the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Photographic Group's annual competition in 2022.

Claire Ireland - Graphic Designer and long term Cornwall Wildlife Trust member

Comma feeding on blossom. Image by Claire Lewis

Comma feeding on blossom. Image by Claire Lewis

Claire Ireland trained as a graphic designer and graduated from Falmouth College of Arts in 1997.

Since joining Lou Jones Design, Claire has developed her considerable design and creative skills and now manages her own in-house design accounts, leading on many print, web and digital projects over the years.

As part of the Lou Jones creative team, she has worked with Cornwall Wildlife Trust since 2016; helping deliver many of the Trust’s flagship marketing projects, such as the Wild Cornwall member’s magazine, the annual Wildlife Photography Competition, membership pack materials and wildlife calendar.

Claire has been a member of Cornwall Wildlife Trust for 13 years and was honoured to receive her Silver Supporter’s badge last year! In her spare time she loves to walk and explore the Cornish coast, looking for wildlife to spot on the way.

Sponsors

South West Optics | Category: Feathered Friends

South West Optics is the go-to destination for nature enthusiasts, providing them with the widest range of high-quality optics and expert advice.

"We aim to empower our customers with the knowledge and tools they need to fully appreciate the beauty of nature."

South West Optics' product range includes a huge selection of binoculars and spotting scopes, from household names to the new players entering the game. They also focus on providing the latest technology new to the birdwatching and nature observation world by offering the widest range of thermal and night vision products currently available from any specialist birding store.

Wildanet | Category: Terrestrial Treasures

Wildanet: High Speed Broadband for Cornwall and the South West:

Digital connectivity is vital to the long-term prosperity and sustainability of the UK. Wildanet is proud to be rolling out a new Full Fibre broadband network that is providing communities throughout Cornwall and the South West with access to fast reliable broadband for years to come.

In 2024, Wildanet became the first UK AltNet (Alternative Network Provider) to become a Certified B-Corporation, recognising its commitment to operating as a force for good, prioritising sustainability, ethical practises, and social responsibility as part of its successful 'profit with purpose' approach to business. 

Classic Cottages | Category: Young Photographer (Under 18s)

Classic Cottages has a fabulous collection of over 1,400 properties waiting for you across the UK.

From family holiday homes with stunning sea views to romantic woodland cabins for two.

"We are proud to support Cornwall Wildlife Trust and take pride in doing our bit to protect the environment."

Contact

For enquiries regarding the 2024 Wildlife Photography Competition, please email wildlifephotocompetition@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk .

Good luck and thank you for entering!