British Wildlife Photography Awards

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Win a prestigious award, up to £20,000 worth of prizes and exposure in a nationwide touring exhibition and accompanying book.

©Elliot Neep

After a successful first year and widely acclaimed photographic exhibition celebrating British wildlife, the BWPA announce the launch of their second competition, open for entries from the 21st January.

Established to celebrate and recognise the talents of photographers of all nationalities practicing in the UK, while at the same time highlight the great wealth and diversity of British natural history, BWPA are looking to build on recent successes and are introducing several new categories. This includes a special award for conservation photography and a category dedicated to British biodiversity and native species under threat, to reflect the fact that 2010 has been declared International Year of Biodiversity, by the United Nations.

2010 is International Year of Biodiversity as declared by the United Nations.
In the year when the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is highlighting the unprecedented global loss of species, BWPA are introducing a new category dedicated to British biodiversity. Sponsored by Natural England, the government adviser on the natural environment, this category focuses attention on our native species fighting for survival.

The Countryside Council for Wales is sponsoring the 'Wildlife in My Backyard' Category.

2020VISION Conservation Photography Award
This new award for Conservation Photography, sponsored by the Wild Media Foundation, encourages aspiring photographers to adopt a slightly different approach to image making. The award will be presented to the photographer who demonstrates a clear understanding of a contemporary conservation theme or story and who submits a portfolio of up to 8 images which creatively illustrates the chosen subject(s).

©David Norton

There are ten main categories to excite the imagination, as well as two special awards to encourage participation by young people, schools and youth community groups.

With a prize fund of up to £20,000 and the overall winner receiving a cash prize of £5,000, the images receiving judges’ commendations will form part of a series of nationwide exhibitions, including a launch and awards event in London, during October 2010. The British Wildlife Photography Awards aim to set the standard for photography of UK wildlife, for many years to come.

Main Awards and Prizes

• British Wildlife Photographer £5,000
• Young British Wildlife Photographer (under 18) £500
• Schools, Youth and Community Group Award (under 18) £1,000

Category Awards:
The winner of each category will receive prizes with a total value of around £1,000.

The 2020VISION Special Award
The winner will be awarded a place on the 2020VISION team and a fully-paid for set of UK commissions.

Categories

©Craig Jones

1. Animal Portraits
2. Animal Behavior

3. Urban Wildlife

4. Hidden Britain
5. Coast and Marine
6. Wildlife in my Back Yard
7. Habitat
8. British Seasons
9. International Year of Biodoversity
10. The 2020VISION Special Award

Dates
The competition is OPEN from 21st January and the closing date is 4th June 2010. Entrants will be able to submit entries on-line or via post.

Further information
For more detailed information about the competition, including how to enter, a full description of categories, shooting tips, and terms & conditions, please visit the competition website: www.bwpawards.org.

Sponsored by Natural England, the government adviser on the natural environment.

Supported by: The Wildlife Trusts, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales,The National Trust, The National Trust for Scotland, and Outdoor Photgraphy Magazine.

Notes for Editors

Please include web address www.bwpawards.org.
Credit the Photographers
For further information and pictures please contact;
Maggie Gowan:
Mobile: 07767 337 359
Email: mail@maggiegowan.co.uk