Capture the Animal Kingdom: Enter the 2026 APOY Competition for a Chance to Win Exciting Prizes

Calling all amateur photographers! The International Amateur Photographer of the Year (APOY) award invites photographers worldwide to submit their incredible images for a chance to win impressive prizes. Sponsored by Amateur Photographer Magazine, this annual competition consists of ten themed rounds, celebrating diverse aspects of photography throughout the year. Currently, entries are open for the third category, Animal Kingdom, until July 20, 2026.

Celebrating the Animal Kingdom

The Animal Kingdom category is consistently one of the most cherished rounds in the competition, reflecting our profound admiration for the animal world. Whether your subject is a remarkable wild animal or a beloved pet, this category invites a variety of photo submissions. Photographers are encouraged to explore all forms of animal subjects, depicting everything from the awe-inspiring migration of wildebeest in the Serengeti to casual portraits of household pets enjoying life in our neighborhoods.

Unique shots don’t necessitate expensive excursions to exotic locations. There's ample opportunity to capture compelling wildlife imagery right in urban settings or even your backyard. Consider telling a story through your photography—show an urban fox scavenging for food or a lively seagull pilfering chips from a tourist. You can also focus on intimate close-ups, such as a fierce lion's gaze or a playful pet cat, which can evoke emotions and convey narratives effectively.

Entry Process and Guidelines

Participation in the main APOY 2026 award allows you to submit up to five images in each round. There's a free entry option available for one image per round, accessible through a unique code that will be printed in Amateur Photographer magazine during each round's open period. Without the code, you can still enter a maximum of four images per round.

For the young photographers out there (aged 13-21), the Young Amateur Photographer of the Year competition offers the chance to enter up to four images per round absolutely free of charge. This is a fantastic opportunity for budding photographers to showcase their skills without financial barriers.

Meet the Judge: Tesni Ward

This round, Animal Kingdom, features esteemed guest judge Tesni Ward, an award-winning wildlife photographer and ambassador for OM SYSTEM, based near the Peak District in the UK. Tesni's work highlights British wildlife but extends to various projects globally, aiming to raise awareness on conservation and education through her imagery. Her insights will undoubtedly elevate the judging process and inspire participants.

Exciting Prizes Await

The winner of each round will be awarded:

• Free DxO software, including DxO PhotoLab 8 and DxO FilmPack 7, valued at £340
• A £300 voucher for any products at Park Cameras
• An annual subscription to The School of Photography worth £120
• A £50 voucher for Bob Books

The two runners-up will receive a free DxO Nik Collection license worth £146 and a £25 voucher for Bob Books. Moreover, the top ten entries from each round will have the honor of publication in Amateur Photographer.

Additionally, the overall champion following ten rounds earns a £1,000 shopping voucher for Park Cameras and a £100 Bob Books voucher.

Young Amateur Photographer of the Year

Now a well-established component of APOY, the Young Photographer of the Year segment encourages fresh talent under 21 years old to showcase their work. Entries are free and follow the same thematic categories as the main competition, allowing young creatives to choose the Young APOY option on Photocrowd when submitting images. Like the main contest, each round has prizes for winners, and the overall winner will receive generous vouchers from Park Cameras and Bob Books.

Young APOY Prizes

• Free DxO PhotoLab and FilmPack licenses, valued together at £340
• A £100 voucher for Park Cameras
• An annual subscription to The School of Photography worth £120
• A £50 voucher for Bob Books

Runners-up in the Young APOY will also receive free DxO Nik Collection licenses worth £146 and a £25 voucher for Bob Books, with the overall winner taking home a £250 voucher for Park Cameras and another £100 voucher for Bob Books.

Camera Club Award

The club with the highest total after all ten rounds will be rewarded with a bespoke website designed by Amazing Internet, a service worth £1,500.

The Competition Timeline

Prepare for the upcoming rounds in APOY 2026. Here’s a quick rundown of themes and their corresponding deadlines, ensuring you don't miss out:

This competition is an excellent opportunity to gain recognition for your photographic talents. So gather your best animal photos and enter today!