Nature Photographer of the Year 2027 (NPOTY)

AI policy

AI-generated or computer-rendered photos are not allowed.

RAW files

If your image proceeds to the final round, you must be able to provide: The original RAW file (e.g. *.NEF, *.CRW, *.CR2, *.CR3, *.ARW, *.RAF, *.ORF, *.RW2, *.PEF, *.X3F) or original out-of-camera JPEG/DNG file, and the final edited high-resolution version used for your submission (e.g. TIFF or high-quality JPG).

Editing rules

Quoted from the 2026 rules, which are the current rules page. Pets, captive animals (except in Category 8, Humans and Nature) and cultivated plants are not permitted. Editing is limited to moderate adjustments; adding or removing elements beyond sensor spots or minor disturbances under 3% is not allowed, and HDR, focus stacking and panoramas must be declared. Finalists must be able to supply the original RAW or out-of-camera JPEG/DNG file plus the edited high-resolution version; the jury verifies original files and specialised software checks for disallowed edits. Content Credentials are not mentioned.