The Golden Turtle International Wildlife Festival is a global wildlife photography competition inviting photographers to submit images that demonstrate professionalism, integrity and deep respect for nature.
The festival positions wildlife photography as a powerful conservation tool, where ethical responsibility is valued as highly as visual impact.
Aim
At the core of the festival is a strict ethical framework that prioritises minimal interference with animals and their natural habitats.
Photographers are expected to place animal welfare above artistic ambition, maintain safe and respectful distances, and adhere to the principle of “Leave No Trace – Pack It In, Pack It Out” while working in the field.
Guiding rules
The use of captive animals is permitted only in limited and clearly defined circumstances. Such entries must explicitly disclose captivity, avoid association with exploitative institutions, and never present captive subjects as wild.
The competition emphasises photography over manipulation, prohibiting digital edits that distort reality and requiring full disclosure of any creative alterations.
Accurate and transparent captioning is mandatory. Images are treated as instruments of conservation awareness, and participants must provide honest descriptions of shooting conditions, subjects, and context. Misleading captions undermine public trust and the credibility of wildlife storytelling.
Benefits
Winners receive cash prizes, trophies, diplomas and official festival albums, along with significant international exposure.
The Photographer of the Year title is awarded based on cumulative performance across categories, while finalists benefit from exhibitions and official publications that reach global audiences.
Who may enter
This is an open call for entries, not a nomination-based award.
Eligible participants include:
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Professional and amateur wildlife photographers.
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Photographers submitting ethically produced wildlife imagery.
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Authors submitting up to 20 entries per person.
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Entrants whose work excludes pets and livestock and complies with all category rules.
Deadline
Applications close on March 31, 2026. Interested participants can apply via the Golden Turtle website. Discover more global photography awards on our Opportunities page.
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