Top Photography Competitions South Africa
Wildlife and Nature Photography Competitions South Africa
Explore Top 15 wildlife photography competitions in South Africa and worldwide. Learn key entry rules, copyright considerations, and how to submit strong competition images.
Top 15 Photography Competitions in South Africa (2026)
Photography competitions provide valuable opportunities for South African photographers to gain recognition, build portfolios, receive professional feedback, and potentially win significant prizes. Whether you specialize in wildlife, landscapes, birds, conservation, travel, photojournalism, or creative photography, there are numerous competitions available to showcase your work. Below are fifteen of the most notable photography competitions that South African photographers should consider.
1. BirdLife South Africa Photography Competition
One of South Africa's most respected bird photography competitions, organized by BirdLife South Africa. The competition focuses on bird photography, endemic species, conservation, and avian behavior. It attracts both amateur and professional wildlife photographers from across the country. (BirdLife South Africa)
Website: BirdLife South Africa Photography Competition
2. Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year
The annual Photographer of the Year competition by Africa Geographic is among Africa's most prestigious wildlife photography contests. The competition emphasizes ethical wildlife photography and conservation storytelling. Winners receive international exposure and safari prizes. (Africa Geographic)
Website: Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year
3. Africa's Photographer of the Year
This continent-wide competition celebrates Africa's wildlife, landscapes, travel, and conservation photography. It regularly features substantial safari prizes and international recognition for winning photographers. (Africa's Photographer of the Year)
Website: Africa's Photographer of the Year
4. Photographic Society of South Africa (PSSA) Competitions
The Photographic Society of South Africa hosts monthly, annual, club, youth, and national competitions. These competitions are highly respected within South African photographic circles and provide an excellent platform for advancement and photographic distinctions. (pssa.co.za)
Website: Photographic Society of South Africa
5. Photographing South Africa National Competition
One of the largest photography competitions in South Africa, featuring categories including wildlife, landscapes, seascapes, culture, people, street photography, and artistic photography. Significant prize packages are often available. (photographingsa.co.za)
Website: Photographing South Africa Competition
6. South African Photographer of the Year
A long-running national competition recognizing photographic excellence across multiple genres. The competition has built a strong reputation among South African photographers and photography clubs. (Facebook)
Website: South African Photographer of the Year
7. WWF South Africa Photo Competition
Organized by WWF South Africa, this competition focuses on environmental conservation, biodiversity, landscapes, wildlife, and sustainability themes. It encourages photographers to document and celebrate South Africa's natural heritage. (explore.wwf.org.za)
Website: WWF South Africa Photography Competitions
8. Canon South Africa Photography Challenges
Canon South Africa regularly hosts photography competitions and creative challenges. These events often include educational opportunities, mentorship, and Canon equipment prizes. (Canon South Africa)
Website: Canon Get Involved Programmes
9. Safari365 Africa Photo Competition
This competition focuses on wildlife, safari experiences, landscapes, and travel photography across Africa. It provides a platform for safari photographers to showcase their best work. (Safari365)
Website: Safari365 Africa Photo Competition
10. RISE Africa Photography Showcase
Hosted by ICLEI Africa, this annual competition focuses on African cities, urban development, sustainability, and community storytelling through photography. (RISE AFRICA)
Website: RISE Africa Photography Competition
11. South African Student Photography Competition
Open to students registered at South African tertiary institutions. This competition provides emerging photographers with an opportunity to gain national exposure early in their careers. (European External Action Service)
Website: South African Student Photography Competition
12. Overstrand Photography Competition
Popular among landscape and coastal photographers, this competition highlights the photographic beauty of the Overstrand region while attracting participants from across South Africa. (photographingsa.co.za)
Website: Overstrand Photo Competition
13. Kgalagadi Photography Competition
A specialist competition focusing on wildlife and landscape photography within the Kgalagadi region. It is particularly popular among wildlife photographers and safari enthusiasts. (photographingsa.co.za)
Website: Kgalagadi Photography Competition
14. 35AWARDS South Africa Participation
Although international, the 35AWARDS competition includes dedicated recognition for South African photographers and has become increasingly popular among local professionals seeking global exposure. (35AWARDS)
Website: 35AWARDS
15. Annual Photography Awards (APA)
An international competition that regularly attracts South African entries. The contest covers numerous genres, including nature, wildlife, architecture, portraiture, and fine art photography. (annualphotoawards.com)
Website: Annual Photography Awards
Conclusion
For South African photographers, the strongest opportunities currently include the BirdLife South Africa Photography Competition, Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year, Africa's Photographer of the Year, and the Photographic Society of South Africa competitions. Wildlife and conservation photographers, in particular, have access to some of the finest competitions on the African continent. These competitions not only offer prizes and recognition but also provide valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and a platform to contribute to conservation and visual storytelling. Many award-winning South African photographers have used these competitions as stepping stones to international recognition. (BirdLife South Africa)
Top 20 International Photography Competitions
Important Competition Rules Photographers Should Understand
1. Copyright Ownership (South Africa)- Competitions should request usage rights only, not ownership.
- Avoid competitions that demand:
- full copyright transfer
- perpetual commercial rights without compensation.
Most reputable competitions request:
Non-exclusive licence
This allows organisers to:
- promote the competition
- exhibit the work
- publish winners
while the photographer retains ownership.
Most wildlife competitions allow only:
- exposure adjustments
- colour correction
- cropping
- sharpening
Not allowed:
- composites
- adding or removing subjects
- AI generated elements.
Reputable competitions prohibit:
- baiting predators
- disturbing wildlife
- photographing animals under human control without disclosure
- manipulation of behaviour.
5. RAW File Verification
Finalists are commonly required to submit:
- RAW files
- image sequence
- EXIF metadata.
Failure to provide these leads to disqualification.
Top 10 Competition Entry Mistakes Wildlife Photographers Make
1. Not Reading the Competition Rules CarefullyMany photographers submit images without carefully reading the competition’s terms and conditions.
Common issues include:
- submitting images taken outside the allowed time period
- entering the wrong category
- exceeding the maximum number of entries
- submitting watermarked images
Always read the rules thoroughly before submitting.
2. Ignoring Copyright ClausesSome competitions require participants to grant broad commercial usage rights.
Under the Copyright Act 98 of 1978, the photographer automatically owns copyright.
However, poorly structured competitions may require:
- transfer of copyright ownership
- unlimited commercial usage rights without compensation
Professional photographers generally avoid such competitions.
3. Excessive Image ManipulationWildlife competitions usually allow only minimal post-processing.
Disqualifications often occur because photographers:
- remove distracting elements
- add additional subjects
- create composites
- heavily manipulate colours
Most reputable competitions require the image to represent the real scene.
4. Losing the Original RAW FileMany finalists are required to provide:
- RAW files
- full image sequence
- EXIF metadata
If a photographer cannot provide the RAW file, the image may be disqualified.
Maintaining a structured image archive is therefore essential.
5. Cropping Too AggressivelyOver-cropping often reduces:
- resolution
- image quality
- print potential
Competitions frequently specify minimum pixel dimensions, and heavy cropping can cause an otherwise strong image to be rejected.
6. Submitting Images with Weak StorytellingTechnically strong images are not always competitive.
Judges often look for:
- behaviour
- interaction
- rare moments
- emotional connection
- ecological context
A technically perfect image with no narrative or behaviour often scores lower.
7. Disturbing Wildlife to Capture the ImageEthical wildlife photography is central to most competitions.
Disqualification can occur if judges determine that the photographer:
- baited the animal
- disturbed the subject
- manipulated behaviour
- photographed captive wildlife without disclosure
Leading competitions emphasise ethical field practice.
8. Entering Too Many Similar ImagesSubmitting multiple images of the same subject or sequence weakens an entry.
Instead, photographers should aim for:
- diversity of subjects
- variety of behaviour
- different ecological contexts
Judges usually favour a single strong image rather than multiple similar frames.
9. Poor Image SelectionMany photographers submit their personal favourites rather than their most competitive images.
Strong competition images typically include:
- decisive moment
- excellent light
- strong composition
- emotional or behavioural impact
Seeking objective critique before submission can improve selection significantly.
10. Ignoring Metadata and Caption InformationCaptions and metadata are often part of judging.
Competitions may require:
- location information
- species identification
- behavioural description
- technical details
Poor captions or inaccurate species identification can weaken an entry.
Professional Advice for Entering Wildlife CompetitionsBefore submitting an image:
- Confirm the competition’s copyright policy.
- Ensure the RAW file is archived safely.
- Check image dimensions and file format requirements.
- Verify that the photograph complies with wildlife ethics standards.
- Select images based on storytelling and behavioural impact, not only technical perfection.
Conclusion
Wildlife photography competitions play an important role in celebrating nature, advancing conservation awareness, and recognising photographic excellence. For photographers in South Africa, local competitions provide accessible opportunities to showcase work, while international competitions offer global exposure and professional recognition.
However, success in these competitions depends not only on strong images, but also on ethical field practice, careful adherence to competition rules, and a clear understanding of copyright and usage rights under the Copyright Act 98 of 1978.
Ultimately, the most compelling competition images are those that combine technical mastery, authentic wildlife behaviour, and a deeper respect for the natural world. When approached with integrity and careful preparation, wildlife photography competitions can become a powerful platform for both creative expression and conservation storytelling.
