Bird Photographer of the Year categories
Here you can find the selection of categories and awards available to enter in the Bird Photographer of the Year competition. For prizes, see this page.
Competition categories
Best Portrait
An image that best captures the character of the subject bird and its distinctive features. We are looking for images that include lots of detail, captured in a classic pose or showing the animal’s features.
Birds in the Environment
This category focuses on photos that best demonstrate the relationship between a bird and its habitat. Examples include a swan on a lake at dawn, a dipper on a rock beside a waterfall, or a bald eagle flying through the mountains.
Bird Behaviour
We’re looking for images that best depict a behaviour of a bird. This might be the lekking display of a black grouse, the courtship of a great crested grebe, or a singing robin.
Birds in Flight
Celebrating avian mastery of the sky, this category focuses on birds in flight. Whether you’re freezing the action or using creative motion blur, as long as your subject is on the wing then it can be entered here.
Black and White
Introduce simplicity and drama into your shot through the use of black and white imagery. This can be shot in-camera or converted during post production.
Urban Birds
In an increasingly urban world, many birds are forced to live on the doorsteps of humans. This category explores the world of urban bird photography. Images should show birds alongside man-made objects, buildings, and other urban settings.
Creative Perspectives
New for BPOTY 2025
In this category, we are looking for images with an artistic focus. Some examples include: minimalism, creative compositions, in-camera multiple exposures, textures and details, or high and low key images.
Note: This category does not allow compositing or any photo manipulation.
Conservation
(Single Image)
This category looks for strong conservation stories shown in one image. This is separate to the main Conservation Award which looks at a collection of photos together.
Special awards
Portfolio Award
For this award, you can enter up to 6 images as a collection. Judges will be looking for a selection of images that show extensive technical control and creativity of the photographer.
Video Award
For this award, you are invited to submit a max 3 minute video of which the subject matter is birds. Judges will be looking for good sequences of shots, rather than a collection of standalone clips. The focus here is strong cinematography and camera skills, although having a story and strong narrative is a bonus.
Note: This award is open to videographers with 3 or fewer major broadcast credits (national or international broadcast). You must be aged 18 or more to enter this award.
Conservation Award
Enter up to 6 images as a collection that tell a conservation story. Judges will be looking for images that tell a story of conservation efforts or the struggle of a particular species. Images can be entered alongside text.
Young Bird Photographer of the Year
Young BPOTY
The Young Bird Photographer of the Year will be awarded to one of the winners of the 3 age groups (11 and Under, 12-14 years, 15-17 years).
The youth competition is free to enter, and you can submit up to 10 images.