This page links to the Audubon Photography Awards contest for residents of the United States and Canada. If you would like to participate in the Chile and Colombia contest, visit this link. Si es residente de Chile o Colombia y desea participar en el concurso de los Premios de fotografía Audubon, visite este enlace.
The contest will open on January 15th 2026 at 12 p.m. (noon) U.S. Eastern Time; 11 a.m. CST; 10 a.m. MST; and 9 a.m. PST and close on March 5th 2026 at 12 p.m. (noon) U.S. Eastern Time; 11 a.m. CST; 10 a.m. MST and 9 a.m. PST.
Come back to see new prizes, new judges, and rules for the 2026 contest.
Important: Once you access the platform, you will have two hours to complete the entry process. Please ensure that all required materials are ready before entering the contest. Refer to this checklist for everything you need before starting the submission process.
Subject to Official Rules available on 01/15/26.
One of the most respected nature photography competitions in the world, the Audubon Photography Awards celebrates the beauty and diversity of birds by honoring the best photos and videos of birdlife. The winning images, chosen from thousands of entries, capture a dazzling array of bird species and behaviors. They also illustrate the essential relationship between birds and the habitats they need to thrive.
The Audubon Photography Awards now spans the Western Hemisphere just as birds do, connecting vibrant cultures and vital ecosystems. Entrants from the United States and Canada in North America, and from Chile and Colombia in South America, will each be eligible for cash prizes and a chance to have their images featured in Audubon magazine. This year, in addition to $5,000, the Grand Prize winners will receive a voyage to Antarctica with HX Expeditions to combine birding, conservation, and exploration on a one-of-a-kind trip.
Explore the information below to learn about the contest for U.S. and Canada residents, including expert judges, rules, and prizes. This year we aim to showcase not only how birds connect us, but also how photography inspires action to protect them.
The entry fee is $15 per image or video for individuals in the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec). No payment is required for submissions to the Youth division for entrants who are 13 to 17 years of age.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest begins January 15, 2026. Must be at least 13 years of age and a legal resident of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entrants under the age of majority must get permission from their parent or legal guardian to enter. Rules here.
Enjoy our annual celebration of outstanding bird visuals—now featuring new prizes and winners from across the Western Hemisphere.
From intimate mating moments of shorebirds to scenic views of soaring raptors, here are the runner-up images in our annual Audubon Photograpy Awards that captured our judges’ attention.
Marvel at the beauty of birds and learn the stories behind our favorite images from this year’s contests—featuring, for the first time, photographers from Chile and Colombia.
As the Audubon Photography Awards' first youth prize winner from South America, Camilo Sanabria Grajales wants to document birds to educate people about the importance of conservation.
These tips can help you get great pictures and keep the birds you love safe with a guide or group.
Enjoy our annual celebration of outstanding bird visuals—now featuring new prizes and winners from across the Western Hemisphere.
What the Audubon Photography Awards Expansion to Chile and Colombia Means for Audubon
Marvel at the beauty of birds and learn the stories behind our favorite images from this year’s contests—featuring, for the first time, photographers from Chile and Colombia.
End up with the best image possible—without compromising its integrity.
To capture clear sounds of birds that you are filming, follow these tips.
These tips can help you get great pictures and keep the birds you love safe with a guide or group.
Playing audio clips of songs and calls is a common tool for getting better shots, but it can also be detrimental to birds and their chicks.
Some people question the difference between the two. There is a distinction—and the lives of birds depend on it.
Do you want to capture a bird's every dip and call? Learn to break in the video mode on your digital camera.
Great light and the right perspective can really turn your shot around.
Tara Tanaka, a videographer and judge for the new video category in this year's Audubon Photography Awards, shares her how-to guide for managing video files and key editing tips.
Let us send you the latest in bird and conservation news.
