We invite entries from around the world, but for all categories, images must be taken in Scotland. In all categories, the judges will be looking for originality, creativity and technique.

The 2025 Photographic Competition categories are as follows:

Environmental Category

This category invites images of all aspects of the environment and man's impact upon and relationship with nature. This category has a reportage element, so the judges will be looking for images that convey a message or tell a story about this broad subject area, e.g. natural energy, pollution, conservation, regeneration, land use (agriculture, crofting, aquaculture, forestry, etc.), biodiversity, invasive species, etc. These are just examples; the environmental topic (with a positive or negative viewpoint) is up to you.

Natural Abstract Category

The Natural Abstract category will demonstrate how an abstract image of even the most familiar aspects of nature and landscape can transform your perception. The judges will be looking for an image with great impact and one that shows the photographer's talent in capturing something not just that little bit different, but something extraordinary.

Scottish Botanical Category

Scotland is home to many species of native and naturalised plants and flowers. We are looking for images of native and naturalised plants, flowers and fungi in their natural habitat, i.e. growing wild, rather than cultivated.

Scottish Landscape - The Land Category

Scotland's landscape offers many "iconic" images. From rugged, remote mountains and lochs to gently rolling farmland and meandering rivers. Many landscapes have become so well known largely because they are so attractive to photographers. The creative aim should be to show new places and new slants on familiar places. Surprise and challenge the judges with your interpretation of the land.

Scottish Landscape - The Sea & Coast Category

Scotland has an extensive, varied coastline, from sheer cliffs to seemingly infinite sandy beaches, not to mention its many islands. Coastal landscapes and seascapes provide quintessential images of Scotland. The judges will be looking for an image that shows the Scottish Sea & Coast at its absolute finest.

Scottish Landscape - Urban Greenspace Category

In Scotland, remote wild land is contrasted with busy centres of population. Nature still thrives in our towns and cities, and green spaces - e.g. parks, gardens, woods, rivers and tow paths - are all key parts of the landscape. These greenspaces are widely accessible and provide vital opportunities for urban dwellers, workers and visitors to engage with nature. The Scottish landscape isn't just defined by untouched wilderness. Nature is where you live! The judges will be looking for good landscape photography techniques to be applied in an innovative way in the context of urban greenspace. NB. For the purposes of the competition, we are loosely defining "urban" as populated areas ranging from large village/small town communities to big cities. "Designed" landscapes, e.g. formal parks and urban architecture are fine as subject matter, but please remember that the theme of this section is greenspace, so images of the built environment should only be submitted if they include a strong element of nature within them.

Scottish Wildlife Behaviour Category

In the Scottish Wildlife Behaviour category, we are looking for images of wildlife in their natural habitat. Images can be of native, resident or migrant wild species. Wildlife subjects photographed in a studio setting or a captive environment are not eligible. This an opportunity for the photographer to share with the viewer what is often a fleeting moment of behavioural display. The judges will look for images that combine behavioural interest with aesthetic and technical considerations.

Scottish Wildlife Portrait Category

In the Scottish Wildlife Portrait category, we are looking for images of wildlife in their natural habitat. Images can be of native, resident or migrant wild species. Wildlife subjects photographed in a studio setting or a captive environment are not eligible. As with human portraiture, a wildlife portrait should convey the character and essence of the individual or group.

Winners of the above 8 categories will compete for the title of:
"Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2025".

One of our key objectives for the Scottish Nature Photography Awards is to encourage and promote emerging talent. We invite entries for "Student Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year" and "Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year"

Student Category

This category is open to students (full-time or part-time and over 18 years of age) undertaking a further or higher education course with a photography element. In this category, we are looking for a portfolio of 3 images on the required nature theme for 2025, which is 'Change'.

Capturing fleeting moments or enduring transformations, your portfolio should portray an aspect of Scotland's ever-evolving nature. Entrants are free to interpret the theme as they wish. Some ideas to explore include changing seasons, changing landscapes, climate change, natural life cycles, wildlife adapting to changing environments, or positive environmental action and conservation initiatives.

Entrants should use their visual storytelling skills to present a strong, cohesive portfolio that carries the theme through all 3 images.

This is an opportunity for student photographers to show originality, creativity and technical skill.

As with the main categories, images can be of native, resident or migrant wild species, and wildlife and botanical subjects should be photographed in their natural habitats.

Entry to this category is limited to the portfolio of 3 images. Extra images cannot be entered into this category, and portfolios of less than 3 images are not eligible. Students who would prefer to enter the main categories may do so, but only entrants to the Student category will compete for the title of "Student Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2025".

Junior Category

This category is open to young people under 18 years of age on 30th November 2025. Young photographers may enter up to 5 images on any Scottish nature subject free of charge into the Junior category. As with the main categories, images can be of native, resident or migrant wild species, and wildlife and botanical subjects should be photographed in their natural habitats.

Entry to the Junior category must be with the permission of a Parent or Guardian. Junior (under-18) entrants cannot enter the main categories. Entrants to the Junior category will compete for the title of "Junior Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2025".


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Scottish Nature Video Award 2025