Does Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026) allow AI-generated images?

No. Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.

Are RAW files required to enter Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026)?

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

When is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026) entry deadline?

Entries for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026) close on December 4, 2025.

How much does it cost to enter Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026)?

£35 adult (up to 25 photos); free for 18–26 and waiver-list countries

ClosedNatural History Museum

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026)

Run by the Natural History Museum in London, Wildlife Photographer of the Year enforces a dual standard: biological fidelity and photographic integrity. The 'computer-rendered' wording closes the CGI loophole. Finalists undergo authenticity checks on their RAW files by an independent technical consultant. The judging panel includes biologists who flag suspicious entries on behavioural grounds before any pixel-level forensics begin — a verification layer unique to wildlife competitions.

AI bannedRAW for finalists

Deadline: December 4, 2025
Entry fee: £35 adult (up to 25 photos); free for 18–26 and waiver-list countries

Official site Read full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

AI-generated or computer-rendered photos are not allowed for submission. Photos must be taken with a camera.
Source: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy/competition/rules

RAW files

The Museum has strict processes in place including rigorous testing of the RAW/original files by an independent technical consultant to ensure winning images will never be affected by AI-created or edited images.
Source: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/wpy

Editing rules

Permitted adjustments mirror traditional darkroom techniques: cropping, sensor spot removal, and noise reduction. Removal of any other element is prohibited. Focus stacking and HDR are allowed 'in moderation' but all component RAW files must be available on request.

Verified on June 8, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026) allow AI-generated images?: No. Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026) does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
Are RAW files required to enter Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026)?: Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.
When is the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026) entry deadline?: Entries for Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026) close on December 4, 2025.
How much does it cost to enter Wildlife Photographer of the Year 62 (2026)?: £35 adult (up to 25 photos); free for 18–26 and waiver-list countries

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