Frequently asked questions about our RSPB photography competition

This is our annual photography competition for anyone who loves being out in nature, discovering those hidden moments that others miss when the world is passing them by. Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or you're already a seasoned nature photographer, we want to see your photo entries.

Share with us, and the world, the ones that hold a little wildlife photography magic, when inspiration struck and never quite let go.This is our annual photography competition for anyone who loves being out in nature, discovering those hidden moments that others miss when the world is passing them by. Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or you're already a seasoned nature photographer, we want to see your photo entries. Share with us, and the world, the ones that hold a little wildlife photography magic, when inspiration struck and never quite let go

Because your photo could do more than sit quietly in your camera roll – it could hang on someone's wall, brightening their mornings, offering a small window into the wild world you found. It's your chance to share a moment of UK wildlife that inspired and stayed with you, while helping the RSPB's work for nature along the way. And if that's not enough reason to get you out in nature, our wonderful prizes provided by our generous sponsors can help you immerse yourself even more in the wild.

The best shots rarely come to those in a hurry (unless you happen to stumble across a special moment by chance!). Arrive early, when the light's still soft and the world hasn't fully woken up, or linger into evening when everything's winding down and off guard. Stay still, stay quiet, and let the distance between you and your wild muse do the work.

Discover more tips on spotting and recording UK wildlife.

Absolutely! RSPB nature reserves are alive with nature and buzzing with wildlife, making them some of the best places in the UK to see wildlife up close. Our quiet trails and hidden hides are designed to bring you nearer to nature without disturbing it. Find your nearest RSPB nature reserve to plan your next visit.

Some of the best wildlife photos are the ones you never take, because getting closer might mean disturbing a nest, a roost, or a moment that wasn't yours to interrupt. The animal always comes first, the shot second. Go out, get inspired, and capture your own special moment, but let nature lead the way, not the other way round. You'll find the full guidance in the Nature Photographers' Code of Practice, developed by the Royal Photographic Society in consultation with the RSPB, to help you shoot with care.

You can enter up to four photos, so don't think just about the most technically perfect shot. Think about the one that stopped you in your tracks, the one that caused your breath to catch in your throat, and that moment you're still thinking about days later. That's the one we want to see. When you send us your snaps, you can tell us why that fleeting glance mattered to you, so let us hear the story behind the moment you froze in time.

Ready to send your shot out into the world? Take a gander through our How to enter section for everything you need to know to let your photos take flight.

This year's competition runs from 1 September to 31 October 2026, plenty of time to catch your moment in the wild and share your favourite shots with us.

Still got a question fluttering about? Drop us a line at calendar.competition@rspb.org.uk and we'll help it find its way to an answer.

Now, go find your moment. Good luck!