Does Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) allow AI-generated images?

No. Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.

Are RAW files required to enter Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY)?

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

When is the Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) entry deadline?

Entries for Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) close on June 8, 2026.

How much does it cost to enter Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY)?

€35 standard (€32 early bird); €17.50 portfolio; free for youth category

When are the Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) results announced?

Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) announces its results on November 14, 2026.

In judgingNature Talks

Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY)

Run by the Dutch organisation Nature Talks, NPOTY is one of the larger pan-European nature photography contests, with a €25,000 prize pool distributed across categories and a touring exhibition through the Netherlands and Belgium. The 2026 rules ban AI-generated and computer-rendered imagery outright, and prohibit excessive manipulation or any addition or removal of elements. The free Youth category and lower-cost portfolio fee make NPOTY a relatively accessible entry point compared to the highest-prestige wildlife contests.

AI bannedRAW for finalists

Deadline: June 8, 2026
Entry fee: €35 standard (€32 early bird); €17.50 portfolio; free for youth category
Results: November 14, 2026

Official site Read full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

AI-generated or computer-rendered photos are not allowed, and excessive manipulation or adding/removing elements is prohibited.
Source: https://naturephotographeroftheyear.com/enter-contest/rules-npoty/

RAW files

Not specified

Editing rules

Pets, captive animals (except in Category 8 — the 'Black & White' track historically permitted captives), and cultivated plants are not permitted. Up to 20 images in standard categories, up to 5 in youth, and 6–10 in portfolio.

Verified on June 8, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) allow AI-generated images?: No. Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
Are RAW files required to enter Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY)?: Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.
When is the Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) entry deadline?: Entries for Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) close on June 8, 2026.
How much does it cost to enter Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY)?: €35 standard (€32 early bird); €17.50 portfolio; free for youth category
When are the Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) results announced?: Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY) announces its results on November 14, 2026.

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