NEWS!
Wildlife in Focus Launches Inaugural Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year Contest
San Antonio, Texas — Wildlife in Focus, a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and protecting native wildlife and their habitats, proudly announces the inaugural Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year competition—an exciting, statewide celebration of the photographers who capture the true spirit of Texas wildlife, wild places, and natural processes.
This prestigious new honor recognizes outstanding photography that blends artistic excellence, compelling conservation storytelling, and the highest standards of ethical field practice.
And best of all? Everyone is welcome.
From professionals with long lenses, to avid amateurs with backyard bird feeders, to kids using phone cameras in local parks—this statewide contest opens the door to all Texans who love nature and want to share its beauty.
A Contest for All Texans
The competition features Adult and Youth divisions, with an overall Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year selected from the four adult category winners. Youth entries are judged separately, culminating in the title Texas Youth Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year.
Highly Commended images will also be recognized across all categories, showcasing exceptional work from photographers of all skill levels across the state.
Submission Window
- Opens: April 1, 2026
- Closes: June 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM Central Time
- Eligibility: All images must be photographed in Texas between January 1, 2022, and June 7, 2026.
- Submission Site: www.wildlifeinfocus.org
- No pre‑registration required.
Entry Fees & Eligibility
Adult Division (18+)
- $10 per image
- Unlimited entries
Youth Division (17 and under)
- FREE
- Up to 5 entries
This competition is open to all—except members of the Wildlife in Focus Board of Directors, Advisory Board, staff, contest judges, and their immediate family members.
Categories
Adult Categories
- Birds of Texas – Any wild bird species native or naturalized in Texas
- Mammals of Texas – Wild Texas mammals in natural habitats
- Animal Behavior – Any Texas wildlife engaged in meaningful behavior
- Texas Wildscapes – Landscapes, night skies, native plants, and scenic ecosystems
Youth Category
Youth may submit images that fit any of the adult category subjects.
Prizes
Adult Awards
- Category Winners (4): $500 each + Wildlife in Focus book
- Overall Photographer of the Year: $500 + Wildlife in Focus book
- Highly Commended: Recognition and publication
Youth Awards
- Top Youth image in each adult category subject (4): $100 each + book
- Overall Youth Winner: $100
- Highly Commended: Recognition and publication
Total prize purse approximately $3,000 (subject to adjustment).
Image & Ethical Requirements
All images must depict wild, free‑ranging species photographed ethically and truthfully in natural conditions. No captive wildlife, domestic animals, or manipulated scenes are allowed.
Ethical practices are essential—no harassment, baiting, nest disturbance, or artificial alteration of behavior.
Digital processing must represent reality. Adjustments such as tone, contrast, cropping, HDR, panorama stitching, and AI-assisted noise reduction are permitted only when they do not create new content. No AI-generated pixels, content removals, additions, or composites that distort reality are allowed.
All judging is anonymous, and shortlisted photographers must supply original, unedited image files.
Texas, This Is Your Moment
This competition establishes the premier statewide honor in wildlife and nature photography—celebrating those who tell the story of Texas wildlands with integrity, skill, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Whether you’re photographing hummingbirds from your porch, capturing a moment on a hike, or exploring the vast Texas night skies, your images matter—and they belong in this contest.
Contact Information:
Wildlife in Focus
10800 Sentinel Dr, San Antonio, TX 78217
(361) 342-9585
