ATTENTION: Canon Enthusiasts.
Win the Ultimate Wildlife Photography Setup
This summer, we’re giving away a Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens (or similar) and a Canon EOS R5 Mark II camera body – a dream setup for any wildlife photographer.
Submit your best Wildlife & Water images for your chance to win this unmatched kit worth over $17,500!
Contest Theme: Wildlife and Water
Water brings life to every ecosystem. It’s where animals drink, hunt, bathe, migrate, and play. This contest celebrates photographs that show the essential, beautiful, or dramatic connection between wildlife and water.
Some ideas to inspire your entry:A bear swiping salmon from a river’s surface.Waterbirds skimming lakes or marshes.Frogs, reptiles, or amphibians emerging from ponds.Mammals crossing streams or drinking at dawn.Dramatic splashes or reflections that tell a story.No matter how grand or intimate, we want to see your unique vision.
Contest Details:
- First Place: Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Lens (or similar) plus Canon EOS R5 Mark II camera body.
- Second Place: $1,000 cash.
- Third Place: $500 cash.
- Opens: July 1, 2025.
- Closes: September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.
What Does a “Wildlife and Water” Look Like?
Think dynamic connection, extreme detail, and strong composition – images that make the viewer feel immersed in the moment. From the intense gaze of a heron as it spears a fish, to the shimmering droplets flying from a bear’s fur, these photos pull the viewer into the scene.
Whether it’s a tight portrait of an otter with dripping whiskers or the textured ripples surrounding a swimming crocodile, capture that sense of closeness and the living energy of water.
What Do Winning Images Look Like?
Past winners stood out for their clarity, originality, and emotional impact. Whether it was a rare moment of behavior or a striking composition, each photo told a story in a single frame—and left a lasting impression on the judges.
Meet Krista Shofshall
The last time we gave away a lens like this was back in 2020—and Krista Shofshall took home the prize. We don’t run contests like this often, which is why this one is limited, competitive, and special.
Judged by Experts. No Bias. No Algorithms.
Your image will be reviewed by an experienced panel of professional wildlife photographers—no AI scoring, no popularity contests. Every entry is judged blind, so your work stands on its own merit.
Get The Recognition You Deserve
Winning images will be featured in the Journal of Wildlife Photography and shared with our global community of dedicated nature photographers.
You’ll gain exposure among thousands of fellow shooters—and earn a reputation boost that can open new doors.
Meet Some More of our past Winners
Want to know what it’s like to win? Watch past winners share their experiences—from entering the contest to seeing their names at the top. It’s a great way to get a feel for what this opportunity really means.
We will never harvest or Steal your images
You retain full rights to your image. We’ll never steal, harvest, sell, or use your photo outside of showcasing and celebrating the contest winners and runners-up. Your work remains your own—always.
Attention Journal Members:
This contest is not part of your membership. It is separate and apart from our monthly contests that are included in your membership. If you’d like to participate, you’ll have to purchase contest credits below.
Remaining Spots
500
End of Summer Sale
Save $100 + 1 Free Additional Entry
Offer Ends 9/11/25
5 Pack + 1 Pack
$297USD
One-time
BEST VALUE
- Enter 6 Images
End of Summer Sale
Save $100 + 1 Free Additional Entry
Offer Ends 9/11/25
1 Pack + 1 Pack
$97USD
One-Time
- Enter 2 Images