Results announcedCalifornia Academy of Sciences

BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2026

Presented by the California Academy of Sciences, the BigPicture Natural World competition pairs a scientific-institution backer with an explicit no-AI policy and a stipulation that artistic effects must come from photography rather than digital manipulation. The Grand Prize of US$5,000 and the annual museum exhibition draw strong amateur and professional fields. The fee structure — $25 for ten images plus an early-bird discount — sits at the affordable end of the wildlife-contest market.

AI banned
Deadline
March 1, 2026
Entry fee
US$25 for up to 10 images; US$15 photo story; 15% early-bird discount before 15 January
Opens
December 1, 2025
Official siteRead full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

No AI-generated images are allowed.

RAW files

Not specified

Editing rules

Artistic effects should not be the result of digital manipulations. The same image cannot be entered in more than one category, except that images included in the Photo Story category may also be entered in one other category.

Verified on June 8, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2026 allow AI-generated images?
No. BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
When is the BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2026 entry deadline?
Entries for BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2026 close on March 1, 2026.
How much does it cost to enter BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition 2026?
US$25 for up to 10 images; US$15 photo story; 15% early-bird discount before 15 January

Do you run a photo contest? See how organizers verify entries

More Wildlife contests

Browse all contests
View all Wildlife contests →