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Copyright Policy
Intellectual property rights You must be the sole owner of the copyright of the photograph(s) submitted or have secured written permission of the copyright owner or any joint owners of the copyright. A copy of such permissions must be supplied when requested. Ownership of the copyright in any entry will remain with the copyright owner(s) By entering the competition, you grant the British Ecological Society and their competition partners the right to use, reproduce and publicise your submitted photograph(s) in any medium, including and not limited to physical copies (e.g. our membership magazine, Niche), digital copies and on social media. Credentials for photographs will be used where possible.
Photography plays a key role in celebrating the wonder of ecology. In Capturing Ecology we are looking for images that capture the natural world in unexpected and unique ways.
Applications for our 2025 competition are now open.
Submit your photographs that best captures the natural world and be in the chance of winning up to £750* and 12 months free BES membership.
1. Animals
Celebrate the diversity and complexity of animals through photographs that tell a unique story about their behaviours, challenges, and habitats. Showcase a species in its environment—whether depicted alone or as part of a population. While other species may appear in the frame, the focus should remain clearly on one.
In collaboration with ZSL. Find out more at zsl.org.
2. Plants and Fungi
Showcase the power of plants and fungi with stunning images that focus on a single species. Whether focussing on their vibrancy, unique forms, or spectacular habitats, we want photographs that capture our fascination with these remarkable organisms.
In collaboration with Plantlife. Find out more at plantlife.org.uk.
3. Interactions
Highlight the intricate relationships within ecosystems or communities by focussing on the interactions between species. From symbiotic partnerships to predator-prey dynamics, your photographs should emphasise the connections that underpin nature.
4. Ecologists in Action
Demonstrate what it means to be an ecologist by showcasing yourself in action. Whether out in the field or in the lab, we want stories that highlight the vital contributions ecologists make to understanding and protecting the natural world.
Sponsored by NHBS. Find out more at nhbs.com.
5. People and Nature
Capture the complex interplay between humanity and the ecosystems that sustain us. Showcase the challenges, resilience and beauty of the natural world, highlighting stories shaped by human impact.
6. Nature, Food and Farming
Explore the balance between agriculture and ecology, showcasing the indispensable role of landowners, farmers and their supply chain in shaping sustainable, nature-friendly landscapes. We’re seeking inspiring photographs that demonstrate thoughtful management of land to produce food while preserving and boosting biodiversity.
In collaboration with Soil Association. Find out more at soilassociation.org
7. Mobile Ecology
Embrace the spontaneity of smartphone photography in this year’s brand new category. We’re looking for images that showcase how our pocket devices empower anyone to capture fleeting moments with nature in our daily lives and tell powerful stories of the ecosystems around us.
8. Up Close
Discover the breathtaking artistry of nature that so often goes unnoticed by the naked eye. Celebrating these intricate shapes, patterns and textures, we invite photographers to unveil the hidden wonders that lie just beneath the surface through macro photography.
Ready to enter the competition?
Please read all our competition rules and criteria below before submitting your photographs for this year’s Capturing Ecology. We’re looking forward to finding this year’s winner!
