Environmental Photography Award 2027

The Environmental Photography Award 2027 is organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which supports projects on climate change, biodiversity and water around the world. The award uses photography to do two things at once: to celebrate the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and to show the damage that human activity causes.

Entry is free, and photographers can submit work made over the past five years, so it is open to archives as well as new work. Five categories cover the polar regions, forests, the ocean, people working to protect nature, and the conflict between humanity and nature. The overall winner is named Environmental Photographer 2027, receives €5,000 and is invited to the exhibition opening in Monaco.

The competition runs on the Photocrowd platform. A jury of eight professional photographers, chaired by the Dutch conservation photographer Jasper Doest, selects 36 finalists and the winners. The finalists' work is shown in an exhibition in Monaco, which then tours, and is published in a book.

Who Can Enter the Environmental Photography Award 2027?

Photographers of any nationality who are 18 or older on 1 November 2026. Professionals and amateurs compete on equal terms. Employees of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and of Photocrowd cannot enter.

It is particularly relevant to:

• Wildlife and nature photographers
• Underwater photographers
• Documentary photographers covering climate, pollution and land use
• Photographers following conservation projects and the people behind them
• Travel photographers with work from polar or forest regions

What Can You Enter?

Photographs taken on or after 1 September 2021, in five categories. You can enter up to five images in each category, so up to 25 images in total.

Polar Regions

Landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctic, presented as pristine places that need protection.

Forests

The plants and animals of boreal, temperate and tropical forests.

Ocean

The diversity and richness of marine life. This category accepts underwater images only.

Changemakers

People and projects that protect nature or fight climate change: scientists, rangers, communities, activists and innovators.

Humanity versus Nature

The destructive effects of human activity: pollution, habitat loss, conflict with wildlife and environmental degradation.

Entry Fees

Entry is free.

What Do Selected Entrants Receive?

• Environmental Photographer 2027: €5,000, plus an invitation to the exhibition opening in Monaco with travel and accommodation covered
• Five category winners: €1,000 each
• Public Award: €500, chosen by public vote
• Students' Choice Award: €500, chosen by students
• 36 finalists: a place in the exhibition in Monaco and its international tour, and in the published book, with two free copies

Submission Requirements

File Specifications

• JPEG files at 300 dpi
• At least 3,000 pixels on the shortest side
• No watermarks, borders, text or copyright symbols on the image
• The original camera metadata must remain in the file

Original Files

Finalists must supply the original RAW files, with camera metadata, to show that the images have not been altered beyond what the rules allow.

Important Rules

• Photographs must have been taken on or after 1 September 2021.
• Images of captive animals are not accepted.
• Composites and digital montages are not accepted.
• AI-generated images, and images altered or enhanced with AI, are strictly prohibited.
• Underwater images only in the Ocean category.
• A maximum of five images per category.

When Will Entrants Be Notified?

The jury of eight photographers selects the shortlist, which is announced on 1 April 2027. The public and students then vote for their awards until 15 April, and all winners are announced on 26 April 2027.

Things to Consider

• Use every category that fits. With five images allowed per category, a broad portfolio has several chances to be noticed.
• Look at Changemakers. Positive stories about people are rarer in nature competitions and can stand out.
• Export from the original. Files from social media or resized copies lose the metadata and resolution the rules require.
• Read the captive-animal rule closely. Zoo, farm and rescue-centre animals do not qualify.
• Keep your RAW archive organised. If you are shortlisted, you will need to provide originals quickly.
• Think about the vote. Public and student awards reward images that move people; a strong story helps.

Enter the Competition

Interested in submitting your work?

Enter the Environmental Photography Award 2027

For the complete rules, category descriptions and the entry platform, visit the official Environmental Photography Award website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: October 2, 2026