BigPicture is open to all photography enthusiasts and professionals alike worldwide to compete for a chance to win the $5,000 grand prize. See eligibility restrictions below.

Now in its 11th year, BigPicture encourages photographers from around the world to contribute their work to this competition that both celebrates and illustrates the rich diversity of life on Earth and inspires action to protect and conserve it through the power of imagery. Chaired by award-winning conservation photographer Suzi Eszterhas, BigPicture welcomes high-quality nature, wildlife and conservation images and is open to all photographers around the world. Enter your work for a chance to win cash prizes and be exhibited at the California Academy of Sciences.

Each photographer can enter photos as follows:

$25 for up to 10 single image submissions in any category.
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$15 for each 6–8 image Photo Story submission. 2024 photo story theme will be announced when competition opens.

Entrants are limited to up to 10 image submissions per registered email address and may register an unlimited number of email addresses. Payment is made on a secure web page using a major credit card. Entry fees must be received by the competition deadline to be eligible to win. Images are not entered into the competition, eligible for prizes, or made viewable to judges until entry fees have been paid. Entry fees are used to provide the competition prizes and help the Academy in its mission and are non-refundable.

The BigPicture Photo Competition begins at 12:00 am North American Pacific Standard Time (PST) on December 1, 2023 and closes at 11:59 pm North American Pacific Standard Time (PST) on March 1, 2024. Presented by the California Academy of Sciences.

BigPicture is open to all photographers worldwide, except employees, volunteers and Board Members of the Academy (as well as their sponsors) and the immediate families and individuals living in the same household as such employees, volunteers and Board Members. The Academy reserves the right to verify, in its sole judgment, entrant eligibility. Void where prohibited.

Entrants retain ownership and all other rights to submitted photographs subject to the following: By entering the Competition, each Entrant grants to the Academy a non-exclusive, irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, and display submitted images directly relating to the Competition in all media throughout the world in perpetuity. This includes but is not limited to use in the context of the Academy website and social media sites, the exhibition of winning images* at the Academy, and all promotional and marketing materials regarding the Competition and Exhibition. In other circumstances, commercial opportunities may exist for awarded photographers to benefit from the use of their images, such as print sales or merchandise. Where such a commercial benefit is likely to arise, permission will be sought in advance and terms and conditions will be agreed upon with the photographer.

*Winning images include images designated as grand prize, first place, and finalist images.

Full Rules, Terms and Conditions