Results announcedNational Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife Federation 55th Annual Photo Contest 2026

The National Wildlife Federation's annual photo contest, in its 55th edition for 2026, is one of the most-entered wildlife competitions in the United States. Entries close 1 May; the Grand Prize is USD 5,000. The 2026 cycle drew significant industry attention when its initial grand-prize image was disqualified as a composite after public scrutiny, raising the runner-up to top honours and prompting the NWF to revise its review process.

AI bannedRAW for finalists
Deadline
May 1, 2026
Entry fee
USD 15 (10 photos) / USD 20 (15 photos) / USD 25 (20 photos + magazine subscription)
Official siteRead full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

Entries are required to be single, camera-made digital images, not composites or AI-generated creations.

RAW files

Not specified

Editing rules

The 2026 cycle was high-profile for enforcement: an aurora-and-owl image was elevated to grand-prize status then disqualified after investigation found it to be a composite, with the runner-up promoted in its place. The NWF has stated publicly that it will update its review process for future cycles. Composites and AI-generated creations are explicitly excluded.

Verified on June 12, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does National Wildlife Federation 55th Annual Photo Contest 2026 allow AI-generated images?
No. National Wildlife Federation 55th Annual Photo Contest 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
Are RAW files required to enter National Wildlife Federation 55th Annual Photo Contest 2026?
Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.
When is the National Wildlife Federation 55th Annual Photo Contest 2026 entry deadline?
Entries for National Wildlife Federation 55th Annual Photo Contest 2026 close on May 1, 2026.
How much does it cost to enter National Wildlife Federation 55th Annual Photo Contest 2026?
USD 15 (10 photos) / USD 20 (15 photos) / USD 25 (20 photos + magazine subscription)

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