Call for entries: The British Wildlife Photography Awards are open!

Saturday 1st February 2014

Hare cpt Andy Rouse/BWPA

Your chance to win a prestigious award, with cash prize of £5,000 and reach millions through national exposure. Help raise awareness about British wildlife and celebrate our natural heritage.

Our seas, wetlands, rivers, heathlands, meadows and woods are just as much refuges for wildlife as they are for ourselves – we are a species which needs wild places for the imagination and the heart

Winners and commended entrants will have their work showcased in a touring exhibition and stunning book, and will be invited to an exclusive Awards ceremony, hosted by naturalist and TV Presenter Chris Packham.

The British Wildlife Photography Awards were established to recognise the talents of photographers practising in Britain, whilst at the same time highlighting the great wealth and diversity of Britain’s natural history.

With 15 separate categories the subject matter covers everything from marine life and animal behaviour to creepy crawlies and urban wildlife. 

The Wildlife Trusts, which sponsor the ‘habitats’ category, are encouraging photographers to capture the magic of the UK’s habitats and the wildlife within.

Paul Wilkinson, The Wildlife Trusts’ Head of Living Landscape, said:

“This category - and the competition - offers an opportunity to celebrate some of the UK’s most special places and the wide range of habitats our islands support.

 “Our seas, wetlands, rivers, heathlands, meadows and woods are just as much refuges for wildlife as they are for ourselves – we are a species which needs wild places for the imagination and the heart. 

"Protecting and restoring habitats, and inspiring people to take action for wildlife, is what The Wildlife Trusts are all about so we’re delighted to be part of the British Wildlife Photography Awards, which celebrates this.

“We hope everyone who is inspired by the nature around them will share their inspiration by entering this year’s awards.”

The Wildlife Trusts care for thousands of places from the wild open spaces of Ben Mor Coigach in the Scottish highlands to the tiny Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve cherished and enjoyed by Londoners in the heart of the city.  For ideas on how to enjoy the beauty of the UK’s varied habitats and get closer to wildlife, visit www.wildlifetrusts.org

School British Wildlife Photography Award (up to 18 years of age)

This will be awarded to the school whose portfolio is judged to be the most imaginative and original.  Any aspect of British Wildlife is eligible.  There are no specific categories and all species will be considered.  For example; animal portraits, wildlife behaviour or action, urban wildlife, a conservation topic or a sequence that work together as a portfolio.  The six images can be single images or a group with a theme / or story.  Each school can enter up to six images.

The Awards and Prizes

Overall Winner, British Wildlife Photographer £5,000 

Winner of Wildlife in HD Video

  1. Sky’s top TV package and a 3DTV
  2. Plus a Canon XA - 20 Professional Camcorder

Category Winners will receive these three Canon products:

  1. Canon Powershot S120 digital compact camera
  2. Canon LEGRIA mini digital creative camcorder
  3. Splash proof case for LEGRIA mini camcorder

Portfolio Winner ‘Documentary Series’.
The winner receive the above three Canon prizes plus a Canon Pixma Pro 1
Printer

Portfolio Winner ‘British Seasons Portfolio’
The winner will receive these five products from Páramo:

  1. Halcon Jacket
  2. Pájaro Trousers
  3. Torres Jacket
  4. Torres Trousers
  5. A Satori fstop bag and Internal Camera Unit

The Young People’s Awards WildPix / BWPA
Young British Wildlife Photographer (12 - 18) £500
Young British Wildlife Photographer (Up to 11) £300

School British Wildlife Photography Award
£1,000 worth of photography and IT products.

Dates

The competition is open until Saturday 3 May 2014.

Awards Ceremony

All winners, commended entrants and photographers who feature in the book will be invited to an Awards ceremony and launch of the traveling exhibition which will take place during September 2014 at the Mall Galleries, London.  The Awards will be hosted and presented by Naturalist and TV Presenter Chris Packham.

The Sponsors

Canon, Sky, RSPB Wildlife Explorers, WWF, The Wildlife Trusts, City of London, CVP.Com, Countryside Jobs Service, Buglife, Páramo and Outdoor Photography Magazine.

Supporters

WildPhotos, WildEye, Wildlife -Film.com, Kristal Digital Imaging Centre, AA Publishing and Natural England.

Notes to Editors

  • Photos: always credit the photographers and include the competition’s web address: www.bwpawards.co.uk.  These images are only to be used with this press release.  Any other usage must be discussed and agreed prior to use.
  • Contact: Maggie Gowan at mail@maggiegowan.co.uk and 07767 337 359 

www.bwpawards.co.uk

• Dark Green Fritillaries by Jason Chalk/BWPA
• Hare by Andy Rouse/BWPA
• Otter by Mark Smith /BWPA

cpt Mark Smith/BWPA

Tagged with: Photography & The Arts