The 2026 Conservation Mag Photography Awards

Celebrating the Art of Nature & The Science of Conservation

Conservation Mag is proud to announce our flagship visual event for 2026. We are calling on photographers worldwide, from professional wildlife trackers to backyard macro enthusiasts, to document the resilience, beauty, and fragility of our natural world.

This is not just a contest; it is a global documentation of our planet’s biodiversity.

View Official Rules | Enter Competition

Why Enter?

Photography is one of the most powerful tools for conservation. By entering, you join a global community of storytellers dedicated to protecting nature.

• Global Exposure: Winning images will be featured in a dedicated editorial showcase reaching our 45,000+ annual readers, including editors, scientists, and environmental educators.
• The "Legacy" Archive: Winners and Finalists will be permanently archived in the Conservation Mag gallery, serving as a lasting record of the state of our planet in 2026.
• Ethical Focus: We champion ethical photography. We value the subject's welfare above the "perfect shot."

The 2026 Categories

We are accepting entries across five distinct categories designed to capture the full spectrum of the natural world.

1. Roaming Free (Wildlife): For the untamed. From the African savanna to the depths of the ocean. We are looking for images of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life in their natural habitats. Behaviour, portraits, and environmental context are key.
2. Wings in the Wild (Birds): Celebrating our avian diversity. Whether it’s a raptor in flight or a cryptic owl in the forest, this category is dedicated to the art of bird photography.
3. Small Worlds (Macro): Look closer. This category celebrates the often-overlooked details of nature, such as insects, spiders, fungi, and botanical textures. You don't need a safari budget to win this; just a keen eye.
4. Vital Habitats (Landscapes): The stage upon which life plays out. We want to see dramatic landscapes, moody seascapes, and unique biomes (like Fynbos or Rainforests) that highlight the environments we must protect.
5. The Human Element: Conservation in action. This category seeks documentary-style images showing the intersection of people and nature—rangers at work, researchers in the field, or sustainable coexistence.

The Prizes: Editorial Certification

While we do not offer cash prizes, we offer career-building recognition.

• Grand Title Winner: Named "Conservation Mag Photographer of the Year 2026." Featured interview and portfolio deep-dive.
• Category Winners: Detailed feature article and social media showcase.

Key Dates

• Entries Open: 1 March 2026
• Entries Close: 31 May 2026
• Winners Announced: July 2026

How to Enter

Participation is open to all photographers globally. Please make sure you have read the Official Rules & Guidelines regarding image specifications and ethical standards before submitting.

Submit Your Entry