Categories
We invite entries from around the world, but for all categories, images must be taken in Scotland. In all categories, the judges will be looking for originality, creativity and technique.
The 2026 Photographic Competition categories are as follows:
Environmental Category
This category invites images of all aspects of the environment and man's
impact upon and relationship with nature. This category has a reportage
element, so the judges will be looking for images that convey a message
or tell a story about this broad subject area, e.g. natural energy, pollution,
conservation, regeneration, land use (agriculture, crofting, aquaculture,
forestry, etc.), biodiversity, invasive species, etc. These are just examples;
the environmental topic (with a positive or negative viewpoint) is up to
you.
Natural Abstract Category
The Natural Abstract category will demonstrate how an abstract image of
even the most familiar aspects of nature and landscape can transform your
perception. The judges will be looking for an image with great impact and
one that shows the photographer's talent in capturing something not just
that little bit different, but something extraordinary.
Scottish Botanical Category
Scotland is home to many species of native and naturalised plants and flowers.
We are looking for images of native and naturalised plants, flowers and fungi in
their natural habitat, i.e. growing wild, rather than cultivated.
Scottish Landscape - The Land Category
Scotland's landscape offers many "iconic" images. From rugged,
remote mountains and lochs to gently rolling farmland and meandering rivers.
Many landscapes have become so well known largely because they are so attractive
to photographers. The creative aim should be to show new places and new
slants on familiar places. Surprise and challenge the judges with your interpretation
of the land.
Scottish Landscape - The Sea & Coast Category
Scotland has an extensive, varied coastline, from sheer cliffs to seemingly
infinite sandy beaches, not to mention its many islands. Coastal landscapes
and seascapes provide quintessential images of Scotland. The judges will
be looking for an image that shows the Scottish Sea & Coast at its absolute
finest.
Scottish Landscape - Urban Greenspace Category
In Scotland, remote wild land is contrasted with busy centres of population.
Nature still thrives in our towns and cities, and green spaces - e.g. parks,
gardens, woods, rivers and tow paths - are all key parts of the landscape.
These greenspaces are widely accessible and provide vital opportunities
for urban dwellers, workers and visitors to engage with nature. The Scottish
landscape isn't just defined by untouched wilderness. Nature is where you
live! The judges will be looking for good landscape photography techniques
to be applied in an innovative way in the context of urban greenspace.
NB. For the purposes of the competition, we are loosely defining "urban"
as populated areas ranging from large village/small town communities to
big cities. "Designed" landscapes, e.g. formal parks and urban
architecture are fine as subject matter, but please remember that the theme
of this section is greenspace, so images of the built environment should
only be submitted if they include a strong element of nature within them.
Scottish Wildlife Behaviour Category
In the Scottish Wildlife Behaviour category, we are looking for images of
wildlife in their natural habitat. Images can be of native, resident or
migrant wild species. Wildlife subjects photographed in a studio setting
or a captive environment are not eligible. This an opportunity for the photographer
to share with the viewer what is often a fleeting moment of behavioural
display. The judges will look for images that combine behavioural interest
with aesthetic and technical considerations.
Scottish Wildlife Portrait Category
In the Scottish Wildlife Portrait category, we are looking for images of
wildlife in their natural habitat. Images can be of native, resident or
migrant wild species. Wildlife subjects photographed in a studio setting
or a captive environment are not eligible. As with human portraiture, a
wildlife portrait should convey the character and essence of the individual
or group.
Portfolio Category
Introducing our new Portfolio category...
Covering any of the subject areas in the main categories above, we invite entries for a portfolio of 3 images.
Entrants should use their visual storytelling and documentary skills to present a strong, cohesive portfolio in which all three images work together to explore and communicate your chosen subject or theme.
You can enter up to 3 portfolios. Each portfolio can explore the same or a different subject, for example:
3 Natural Abstract portfolios; or
1 Natural Abstract portfolio, 1 Landscape portfolio and 1 Wildlife portfolio.
Portfolios must contain exactly 3 images. Fewer or more than 3 images are not eligible.
As with the main categories, images can be of native, resident or migrant wild species, and wildlife and botanical subjects should be photographed in their natural habitats.
Portfolios will be judged as a separate category, irrespective of their subject. For example, a portfolio of 3 images based around a Natural Abstract theme will be judged in the Portfolio category and neither the portfolio nor any of its individual images will be judged as part of the Natural Abstract category.
Portfolio entries will NOT count towards your maximum main category and extra image entries, so you can still enter a maximum of 33 images across the 8 categories above in addition to your portfolio entries. Alternatively, you can enter the portfolio category on its own.
Winners of the Environmental, Natural Abstract, Scottish Botanical, Scottish Landscape - The Land, Scottish Landscape - Sea & Coast, Scottish Landscape - Urban Greenspace, Scottish Wildlife Behaviour, Scottish Wildlife Portrait and the Portfolio categories will compete for the title of
"Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2026".
One of our key objectives for the Scottish Nature Photography Awards
is to encourage and promote emerging talent. We invite entries
for "Student Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year"
and "Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year"
Student Category
This category is open to students (full-time or part-time and over 18 years of age) undertaking a further or higher education course with a photography element. In this category, we are looking for a portfolio of 3 images responding to the required nature theme for 2026, ‘Natural Treasures’.
What do you consider to be Scotland’s natural treasures? What is precious to you about your natural surroundings, and what places, landscapes, species or natural environments do you feel connected to? What do you think deserves greater protection, appreciation or understanding?
‘Natural Treasures’ can be interpreted broadly. We encourage entrants to look beyond the obvious and consider the natural world in ways that are personal, unexpected or thought-provoking. Your images might celebrate a landscape, document a habitat, explore our relationship with nature, or draw attention to something easily overlooked.
Entrants should use their visual storytelling and documentary skills to present a strong, cohesive portfolio that carries the theme through all 3 images to help communicate their idea.
This is an opportunity for student photographers to demonstrate originality, creativity and technical skill.
As with the main categories, images can be of native, resident or migrant wild species, and wildlife and botanical subjects should be photographed in their natural habitats.
Portfolios must contain exactly 3 images. Fewer or more than 3 images are not eligible. Students who would prefer to enter the main categories may do so, but only entrants to the Student category will compete for the title of "Student Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2026".
Junior Category
This category is open to young people under 18
years of age on 30th November 2026. Young photographers may enter
up to 5 images on any Scottish nature subject free of charge into the Junior category. As with the main categories, images can be of native, resident or migrant wild species, and wildlife and botanical subjects
should be photographed in their natural habitats.
Entry to the Junior category must be with the permission of a Parent or
Guardian. Junior (under-18) entrants cannot enter the main categories. Entrants
to the Junior category will compete for the title of "Junior Scottish
Nature Photographer of the Year 2026".
Competition FAQs including information on submitting images and image setup
Competition Rules
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