We're thrilled to announce that 'Natural World' the ILFORD Photo 2025/26 student photographic competition is now open for entries.
Natural World - The brief
The Natural World includes all living and non-living things that exist in nature, not made or caused by humans. Plants, animals, humans, soil, water to name just a few.
From global warming and over consumption to pollution and preservation, capture the story of our planet through your lens. Show us the Natural World as you see it.
Our planet has undergone dramatic change over the years, some of it devastating, even destructive. Yet in the midst of chaos, there is also hope, resilience, and beauty that reminds us to cherish the world around us. We want to see your unique perspective on the ‘Natural World.’ We are looking for original, imaginative and powerful images that catch the eye with the ability to create change.
Prizes
Winner
A certificate and the title of ILFORD Photo UK Student Photographer of the year 2025/2026.
Winning image professionally printed and mounted by HARMAN Lab. (harmanlab.com).
An Olympus OM2 spot program with a Zuiko 50mm f1.8 lens donated by Vintage Camera Hut.
£200 of products of their choice from ilfordphoto.com.
Runner Up
A certificate and the title of ILFORD Photo UK Runner Up Student Photographer of the year 2025/2026.
A camera from Camera Crib.
£150 of product of their choice from ilfordphoto.com.
The winning images along with those that make it through to the final stages of judging will be exhibited at The Photography and Video Show in Birmingham next year.
FAQ's
Who can enter?
The competition is open to any student, of any age, from anywhere around the world.
Can I enter more than one image?
Of course, in fact , we'd encourage it! (Don't forget, each image must have it's entry label firmly attached to the back).
Can I submit my entry online?
No. This is a print competition and all images must be printed by you, the student, in the darkroom and sent to the address shown on the entry label.
Can my lecturer / teacher group all images together and send them at once?
This is a great idea and many already do this, please just ensure that each image has it's own entry label attached firmly to the back of it. (Images sent in polythene wallets with the entry labels loose will be disqualified).
Do I have to use ILFORD or Kentmere products?
All images must be shot on either ILFORD or Kentmere black and white films and printed in the darkroom on either ILFORD or Kentmere black and white darkroom papers. We would love for you to use our darkroom chemicals too but appreciate that this isn't always possible so don't make this a condition of entry.
I don't have access to a darkroom to print my images, can you help?
Your college may want to look at our Pop-Up Darkrooms or alternatively, why don't you have a look at our locator tool and see if there is a community darkroom nearby?
Closing Date
The competition closing date is 31st January 2026 and all entries must be with us by that date.
Poster/Brief/Terms and Conditions and Entry Labels
Download the competition poster, brief, terms and conditions and the entry labels using the link below.
Natural World - Assets for download A4 size - Worldwide