Organizer Information
The Royal Entomological Society (RES) is a UK-based scientific charity dedicated to promoting learning, engagement, and research in the science, natural history, and conservation of insects. Established as a global authority in entomology, the society publishes academic bulletins, organizes the annual Insect Week campaign, and supports amateur and professional naturalists worldwide.
Title & Description
Royal Entomological Society 2026 Insect Photography Competition: Open Call
The Royal Entomological Society has officially opened entries for its 2026 Insect Photography Competition as part of its ongoing mission to celebrate insect life and biodiversity. The contest invites amateur photographers of all ages and nationalities to submit up to three original images portraying insects in their natural habitats. Spanning all life stages—from eggs and larvae to adults—the competition seeks clear, well-composed, and ethically captured photographs that demonstrate the fascinating behaviors and diversity of insects globally.
Categories
Submissions are divided into two primary age categories alongside a equipment-specific designation:
- 18 and Over Category: Features three distinct sub-themes: Insect Behaviour, Insect Portraits, and Insects in Their Environment.
- Under 18 Category: Open to youth aged 17 or younger (requires parent/guardian permission).
- Smart Device Option: Available across both age groups for images captured using smartphones or tablets.
Eligibility
- Amateur Requirement: Open strictly to amateur photographers. Professional photographers (defined as individuals making money from wildlife photography beyond prize funds or minor social media royalties) are ineligible.
- Institutional Exclusions: RES staff members and individuals directly involved in competition organization (or their immediate families) are ineligible.
- Geographic Scope: Open unconditionally to all nationalities worldwide.
- Exclusivity & Prior Awards: Images must not have won or been commended in major prior competitions, must not be licensed/available on stock libraries, and must not be entered into other active contests prior to winner announcements.
- Generative AI Ban: AI-generated or significantly AI-enhanced images are strictly prohibited and automatically disqualified.
Program Benefits & Awards
- 18 and Over Category:
- 1st Prize: £750 GBP
- 2nd Prize: £500 GBP
- Under 18 Category:
- 1st Prize: £450 GBP
- 2nd Prize: £250 GBP
- Publication & Features: Prize-winning, runner-up, and commended images will be published in an online showcase on the Insect Week portal and featured in Antenna, the official bulletin of the Royal Entomological Society.
Application Fee
The competition is 100% free to enter.
Application Requirements
- Submission Volume: Maximum of three images per entrant.
- File Specifications: JPG, JPEG, or PNG formats. File sizes must not exceed 10MB (largest file resolution under 10MB is recommended). High-resolution files may be requested upon shortlisting.
- Subject Boundaries: Must feature true insects (any life stage) in natural, wild settings. Other invertebrates (e.g., spiders, snails, woodlice) are ineligible unless appearing incidentally in a photo primarily featuring insects.
- Image Integrity: Major physical alterations (adding/removing plants, animals, or elements) are forbidden. Basic digital adjustments maintaining original integrity are permitted. Watermarks, signatures, borders, or text overlays are strictly prohibited.
- Ethics & Welfare Code: Photographers must adhere to strict ethical standards. Baiting, staging, harming subjects, or disrupting fragile natural habitats is cause for immediate disqualification.
How to Apply
Complete the official online registration form and upload digital image files directly on the Insect Week competition portal.
- Official Entry Application Page: Insect Week Photography Contest Portal
Key Dates
- Submissions Opened: February 10, 2026, at 08:00 UK time
- Application Submission Deadline: October 31, 2026, at 23:59 UK time
- Public Winner Announcement & Gallery Release: Prior to Insect Week 2027
Location
Initial submission, judging, and digital exhibition publishing take place Online. (Organization headquarters located in the United Kingdom).
Additional Details
Copyright remains entirely with the photographer. Entrants grant the RES a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reproduce images for educational, promotional, and publication purposes related to Insect Week and society activities, with artist attribution provided wherever feasible.