Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2026

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards is an annual international competition for funny moments in wildlife photography, founded in 2015 by photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks (MBE) and Tom Sullam. Nikon is the title sponsor; proceeds from the program support wildlife conservation.

Submissions are accepted across nine categories: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles/Amphibians/Insects, Fish & Aquatic Species, Nikon Young Photographer, Nikon Junior, Portfolio, Nikon Video, and the People's Choice Award. The grand prize is a week-long safari for two at Alex Walker's Serian in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, plus a handmade trophy. Category winners receive Nikon cameras and lenses plus their own trophies.

Entry is free, with no fee at any stage. Eligibility is open globally — any camera brand, any career stage. Entries must be authentic moments from natural settings; AI-generated images are not accepted.

The 2026 jury comprises an unusually large panel of conservationists, wildlife photographers, and presenters: co-founders Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, with Kate Humble (TV presenter), Hugh Dennis (comedian), Will Burrard-Lucas, Daisy Gilardini, Charlie Hamilton James (National Geographic), Will Travers OBE (Born Free Foundation), Bella Lack (conservationist), Charlotte Kemsley (Regional Director, Nikon), and others.

Past cycles have drawn over 10,000 entries from 100+ countries. The 2026 deadline is June 30, with results announced November 2026.