British Birds Bird Photograph of the Year 2008

This competition, established in 1976, seeks to recognise the best and/or the most scientifically interesting bird photographs. Preference is given to photographs taken in the Western Palearctic (Europe, North Africa and the Middle East), but those of species on the Western Palearctic List taken anywhere in the world are also eligible.

The rules applying to both traditional and digital formats are as follows:

Up to 3 colour transparencies or digital images, each taken during the previous calendar year may be submitted by each photographer. Transparencies should not be glass-mounted. They will be judged not only on technical excellence, but also on originality, scientific interest, aesthetic appeal and artistic composition. Photographs which have been digitally manipulated are not eligible for the competition, but see below. Preference will be given to photographs taken in the West Palearctic (Britain, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East), but those of species on the West Palearctic list taken anywhere in the world are also eligible. Photographs must not have been submitted for publication elsewhere, although images previously posted on websites are acceptable (though, of course, the copyright remains with the photographer and use subsequent to publication in British Birds is unrestricted). The photographs by the winner and runners-up may be used at the discretion of the judges in, on the cover of, or for the promotion of British Birds or the competition. A fee will be paid, except for one use of prize-winning images.

Photographers should note that portrait, rather than landscape format, are preferred for cover photographs. A brief account (not more than 200 words) should be enclosed with each photograph, giving the circumstances in which it was obtained, the method used, technical details (exposure, make and model of lens and camera body, make and type of film if used), locality, date and photographer's name and address. Transparencies will be returned only if accompanied by a suitable stamped addressed envelope. While every care will be taken with submitted transparencies, British Birds cannot be responsible for any damage to, or loss of photographic material.

Rules applying to digital images only are as follows:

Photographers are asked to submit a CD containing the original image file (whatever format it was taken in, either RAW, TIFF or JPEG). Images should be submitted with only minor adjustments made, as outlined in a recent article covering basic manipulation of digital images in BB (Brit. Birds 101: 39–42, January 2008) and which is available HERE. Permitted manipulation includes the use of levels and curves and other tools to adjust contrast, brightness & exposure and colour saturation, and for minor cleaning work. Images can be sharpened, and cropping is limited to 25% by area. Any manipulation that in any way changes the ‘science’ of the picture (for example, even minor changes to feather detail) is expressly forbidden! An account of any manipulation, together with a note of the software used, must also be submitted. The requirements are otherwise as for our usual submission of digital files (files should be 15 cm wide and 300 dpi). Regular entrants should note that we no longer require digital images to be accompanied by a hard-copy print. All entries are accepted only on the above conditions.

As well as prizes for first, second and third places, there are additional prizes for the best digiscoped entry, which is sponsored by The Eric Hosking Trust. The closing date for entries is 31st March 2008. Entries must be clearly marked Bird Photograph of the Year and sent to Peter Kennerley, 16 Coppice Close, Melton, Suffolk IP12 1RX, e-mail peterkennerley@onetel.net. Please ensure that you include both a postal address and an e-mail address with your entry.