Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that the competition receives. If your question is not answered here, you can always get in touch with us. However, please read through our FAQ before sending a message to the team.

What are the size requirements for entering an image?

Please upload images at a maximum of 2000px longest side, 2MB maximum file size, and JPEG format. We have no colour space requirements, but typically sRGB is a good choice. There is no minimum pixel dimension required, but you should aim for at least 1600px for optimum viewing. The DPI you submit in at this stage does not matter, but 72 DPI is a good setting to choose.

When will the winners be announced for the 2025 competition?

Winners will be announced in September 2025, alongside the publication of Collection 10.

Does it cost to enter the competition?

The Youth contest is free, but the adult competition carries an entry fee. To enter, you will need to use entry credits. 1 credit is equal to 1 photo submission. For our special awards (Video, Portfolio, Conservation) you will need 6 credits to enter.

How do I compress a raw photo into a zip folder?

If invited to submit your photos to the high resolution file request, please zip all raw files into a zip folder. To do this on Mac, right click the file in Finder and select “Compress”. For Windows, right click the file and select “Send to > Compressed (zip) folder”.

You can then upload the new zip folder to the website.

What information should I include in my caption?

Captions should be as detailed as possible and include information about the image such as: the story, how you got the shot, any special techniques needed, and (where applicable) any required permissions obtained for taking the photo.

Can I submit the same photo into multiple categories?

Yes, you can do this if you wish. You can also enter photos that are submitted to the Portfolio Award into other categories.

Can I watermark my photos and submit them?

We ask you to upload images that are not watermarked, as it is better for the judging process. Should you be successful, we require original files and high resolution, unwatermarked images anyway.

Can I enter photos that are entered into, or awarded, in other competitions?

Yes, this year there is no requirement for images to be solely for Bird POTY. However, images that have yet to have major competition coverage stand the greatest chance of creating an impact with the judges since they will not have seen them before.

I can only enter the youth competition, and can’t find the adult contest?

This happens if you have accidentally registered for the Youth contest. Please login and hover over your name in the top right of the screen. Navigate to “My Profile” and follow the prompts to convert your account to the adult competition.