Does Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 allow AI-generated images?

No. Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.

Are RAW files required to enter Bird Photographer of the Year 2026?

Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.

When is the Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 entry deadline?

Entries for Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 close on December 14, 2025.

How much does it cost to enter Bird Photographer of the Year 2026?

£35 for 25 entries (plus VAT for UK entrants)

ClosedBird Photographer of the Year

Bird Photographer of the Year 2026

Bird Photographer of the Year publishes one of the clearest, most narrowly drawn AI policies in the field. The rules name specific permitted AI tools (Denoise, Sharpening) and specific prohibited techniques (sky swapping, cloning beyond dust spots), removing the ambiguity that troubles many other contests. Shortlisted entrants must provide RAW files for forensic authentication. The clarity makes it a good reference contest for understanding where current wildlife-photography norms sit on AI.

AI bannedRAW for finalists

Deadline: December 14, 2025
Entry fee: £35 for 25 entries (plus VAT for UK entrants)

Official site Read full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

With the exception of HDR, stitched panoramas, focus stacking, and in-camera multiple exposures, composited images or AI-generated images are not permitted in any category. The use of AI-based tools, for adjustments or image generation, is strictly prohibited in the competition, with the exception of Denoise and Sharpening tools.
Source: https://www.birdpoty.com/rules

RAW files

Entrants that are shortlisted for the final round of judging will be required to provide: Raw format files (such as .NEF, .CR2, etc) or, if unavailable, original untouched JPEGs for authentication and forensic purposes.
Source: https://www.birdpoty.com/rules

Editing rules

Sky swapping and removal of objects through cloning are prohibited. Dust spot and lens dirt removal are the only object-removal exceptions permitted. AI-based Denoise and Sharpening tools are explicitly allowed; all other AI-based tools are not.

Verified on June 8, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 allow AI-generated images?: No. Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
Are RAW files required to enter Bird Photographer of the Year 2026?: Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.
When is the Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 entry deadline?: Entries for Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 close on December 14, 2025.
How much does it cost to enter Bird Photographer of the Year 2026?: £35 for 25 entries (plus VAT for UK entrants)

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