Orkney Nature Festival Photography Competition 2026
Throughout the summer, we are running a Photography Competition to encourage folk to enjoy the natural wonders of the Orkney Islands. You can find out more about the competition below. The link to enter the competition is also below (it should launch as a form).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter the competition? The competition is open to all photographers, including both Orkney residents and visitors to the area. Entrants to the Under 18 categories must be under 18 years old on 31st July 2026 and must have permission from a parent or guardian.
What categories can I enter? The categories are: Natural Landscapes of Orkney; Terrestrial Animals of Orkney; Marine Animals of Orkney; Plants of Orkney; Under 18 Natural Landscapes of Orkney; Under 18 Species of Orkney. You may submit up to 3 photographs per category.
Is there an entry fee? No. Entry to the competition is completely free.
What can/can’t be included in the images? All images must be taken within the Orkney Islands. Images should include local animals or plants, not non-native or domesticated species. Images must have been taken after 31st July 2024.
What image format / size is required? Images must be submitted digitally in JPEG format. Images must be at least 2000 pixels on the longest edge.
Is photo editing allowed? Basic editing such as cropping, exposure adjustment, and colour correction is permitted. However, AI-generated images and major digital manipulation that alters the natural scene are not allowed.
How will entries be judged? Entries will be judged by a selected panel, based on: Creativity and originality; Composition; Relevance to the category; Representation of Orkney’s natural environment. The full panel will be announced soon!
What prizes are available? Each category will have 1 Winner and 1 Runner-Up. Winners will receive non-cash prizes, and both Winners and Runners-Up will receive printed certificates. We will announce the prizes for each category soon – each has been donated by a generous local business! The images of both the winner and runner up for each category will be featured in the Okrney Nature Festival 2027 Calendar.
The full terms and conditions of the competition are available here.
If you have any questions about the competition, please email orkneynaturefestival@outlook.com.
