Does Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) allow AI-generated images?

No. Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.

Are RAW files required to enter Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12)?

Shortlisted entrants must supply their RAW files.

When is the Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) entry deadline?

Entries for Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) close on December 13, 2026.

How much does it cost to enter Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12)?

£35 for 25 entries (plus VAT for UK entrants); £40 for 25 entries from 8 December 2026

When are the Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) results announced?

Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) announces its results on September 1, 2027.

Open for entriesBird Photographer of the Year

Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12)

Bird Photographer of the Year publishes one of the clearest, most narrowly drawn AI policies in the field: AI-based tools are prohibited for adjustments or image generation, with Denoise and Sharpening as the only exceptions, and shortlisted entrants must supply RAW files for forensic authentication. The 2026 competition drew more than 24,000 images; Henley Spiers won the overall title and £3,000 with 'Sunball Rocket', a northern gannet bursting through the surface. The twelfth competition, BPOTY 12, is open for entries until 23:59 GMT on 13 December 2026, with high-resolution files requested in February 2027 and winners announced in September 2027. Entry credits cost £35 for 25 entries, rising to £40 from 8 December 2026.

AI bannedRAW for shortlist

Deadline: December 13, 2026
Entry fee: £35 for 25 entries (plus VAT for UK entrants); £40 for 25 entries from 8 December 2026
Results: September 1, 2027

Official site Read full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

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 who 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

With the exception of HDR, stitched panoramas, focus stacking and in-camera multiple exposures, composited or AI-generated images are not permitted in any category. Sky swapping and removal of objects through cloning are prohibited; dust spots and lens dirt are the only removal exceptions. AI-based Denoise and Sharpening tools are explicitly allowed; all other AI-based tools are not. DNG files are only accepted as the camera's native raw output.

Verified on November 7, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) allow AI-generated images?: No. Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
Are RAW files required to enter Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12)?: Shortlisted entrants must supply their RAW files.
When is the Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) entry deadline?: Entries for Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) close on December 13, 2026.
How much does it cost to enter Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12)?: £35 for 25 entries (plus VAT for UK entrants); £40 for 25 entries from 8 December 2026
When are the Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) results announced?: Bird Photographer of the Year 2027 (BPOTY 12) announces its results on September 1, 2027.

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