DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS FROM ePHOTOzine

© Morris Hersko / Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards

 

Nikon has officially opened entries for the highly anticipated Comedy Wildlife Awards 2026 for photographers and filmmakers from around the globe to share the humor and charm of the animal kingdom. Building on last year’s overwhelming success, this year’s competition promises even more laughter, creativity, and conservation awareness. With categories spanning mammals, birds, reptiles, aquatic life, and youth divisions, the awards celebrate the joy of wildlife while inspiring audiences to appreciate and protect the natural world. Entrants have the chance to win extraordinary prizes, including Nikon gear and a safari adventure in Kenya, making this year’s contest both entertaining and unforgettable.

 

From Nikon

Nikon is thrilled to announce the return of the world-renowned and delightfully entertaining Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards. Now officially open for entry, the award celebrates the funniest and most heartwarming images from across the globe, showcasing the extraordinary animals we share our planet with.

Following the incredible response to last year's awards, 2026 is set to be even more ambitious and entertaining. By harnessing the charm of witty, offbeat wildlife images and videos, the competition continues to spark meaningful conversations around conservation and promote a deeper appreciation for nature.

To celebrate the launch, the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has released an exclusive collection of never-before-seen entries from 2025 - each one certain to raise a smile while inspiring photographers and filmmakers alike to take part in this year's competition.

Plus, with a host of spectacular prizes up for grabs - including Nikon cameras and lenses for the Nikon-sponsored categories - top entrants have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime safari in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, hosted by the incredible Alex Walker's Serian, along with a beautifully handcrafted trophy. All category winners will also receive a premium camera bag courtesy of ThinkTANK, and a professionally designed website from Amazing Internet.

This year's judging panel brings together a brilliant mix of fresh talent and seasoned experts. Three Nikon Creators - Cameron Whitnall, Hannah Stitfall, and Roxy Hemadani - are joined by Charlotte Kemsley, Regional Director for Nikon in Northern Europe, TV presenter Kate Humble, actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, wildlife photographers Daisy Gilardini and Will Burrard-Lucas, wildlife expert Will Travers OBE, and conservationist Bella Lack.

Joining the awards for the first time are Jamie Smart, an inspiring young wildlife photographer; Will Fortescue, adventurous photographer and safari expert; the witty Climate Comedian Stuart Goldsmith; and Roma Wells, a wild storyteller and nature/travel presenter extraordinaire.

This heart-warming competition is free to enter and open to the public until June 30th 2026. The shortlist will be unveiled in October, with the winners announced at a celebratory awards night in December.

Stefan Maier, Nikon Europe Senior General Manager Marketing says, "We're thrilled to continue our partnership with the Comedy Wildlife Awards, an initiative that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide. These awards showcase how humorous wildlife imagery can entertain, inspire, and bring people closer to nature. At Nikon, we are passionate about empowering photographers and filmmakers to create with purpose, and this collaboration is a wonderful way to celebrate their talent while highlighting the importance of conservation."

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards is proud to support Born Free, an international wildlife charity that has been championing compassionate conservation for over 40 years. Founded by Bill Travers MBE, Dame Virginia McKenna DBE, and Will Travers OBE, Born Free works around the world to protect threatened species, defend natural habitats, and ensure wild animals are treated with compassion and respect. Nikon is honoured to shine a spotlight on their vital work and longstanding commitment to keeping wildlife in the wild through this competition.

 

2026 competition entry categories include:

• Mammals Category
• Birds Category
• Reptiles, Amphibians and Insects Category
• Fish and Other Aquatic Species
• Nikon Young Photographer (25 yrs and under)
• Nikon Junior Category (16 yrs and under)
• Portfolio Category
• Nikon Video Category
• Photo People's Choice Award

For more information, please visit the competition website.

 

Spring officially begins this month so we want to fuel you with spring ideas and suggestions so when it does arrive, you'll be ready to head out with your camera. So, here's a list of all the best photographic opportunities this spring you won't want to miss.

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1. Lambs

 

One of the most notable and iconic features of spring is the abundance of baby animals. The easiest of these to go out and photograph freely are lambs. They are spritely creatures, and so to capture them sharply, use a higher shutter speed as they are liable to move just as you have set up your shot. There is more information on lamb photography in our lamb photography tutorial.

  2. Flowers

 

At the beginning of spring, snowdrops and daffodils will begin to shoot and bloom, providing ample opportunity for some macro and flower cluster shots. Head out to your nearest wooded area to find some wild spring flowers as well as waiting for the flowers in your garden to show.

More tips on photographing spring flowers can be found here: Spring Flower Photography Tips

 

3. The Last Frosts

 

At this time of year, the weather is getting milder, but you'll still be able to capture some frost if you're up and about early enough. Frost looks great when it forms on newly sprouting plants, as the vibrant colour contrasts nicely with the white of the frost.  You can find out more in our frost photography tutorial.

  4. Fresh Vegetation

 

Spring is not just about close-up shots. Take advantage of the blooming colours and fresh greens to create wider landscape shots, or even panoramas, that look more vibrant and alive. ePHOTOzine has plenty of landscape tutorials over in our technique section. 

  5. Sunrise / Sunset

 

You can still capture the sunrise at a reasonable time now and the sun is still going down just after most finish work giving you the chance to capture a cracking sunset too. 

  6. Showers/ Shooting In The Rain

 

Showers are a key part of spring, and they shouldn't put you off getting out with your camera. Some great shots can be achieved in the rain, and more information on how to capture them can be found in our tutorial on shooting daffodils in the rain and in our tutorial on coping with bad weather. 

 

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Daily Forum Competition

 

The ‘Above the Glacier’, a captivating mountain shot by RobTurner, has been awarded our ‘Photo of the Week’ (POTW) on ePHOTOzine this week.

This is an impressive image that shows the full scale of an alpine glacier. The view captures the glacier’s flow, with crevasses and a central moraine line visible as the ice moves between rugged peaks. The tall cliffs and snowy slopes add contrast, while the swirling clouds bring atmosphere and drama to the mountains.

It is a powerful landscape photograph that brings out the raw feel of high-altitude terrain. The drama of the mountain view is hard to miss. A beautiful shot and a very deserving POTW.

Every Photo of the Week (POTW) winner will be rewarded with a Samsung 128GB PRO Plus microSDXC memory card with SD adapter, providing top-tier storage for all your creative needs across multiple devices. But that's not all! In January 2027, we’ll crown our 2026 Photo of the Year winner, who will take home the ultimate prize of a Samsung Portable 1TB SSD T7 Shield, courtesy of Samsung. It’s time to shoot, submit, and showcase your best work for a chance to win these incredible rewards!