- May 19, 2025 - August 15, 2025
- Entries must be uploaded via our Official contest page
- For queries, reach out to info@ataavi.org
Registrations Close in
Themes
Bird Portraits
Bird Portraits
Birds in action
Birds in action
Birds and
their world
Birds and
their world
Prizes
1st Place
₹1,50,000
2nd Place
₹75,000
3rd Place
₹35,000
5 Honorary Mentions
₹8,000
(Each)
Rules and regulations
- Photo Eligibility: All photographs submitted for the competition must be taken within the last one year and captured within India. (January 2024-Present).
- Limit: Each participant may submit a maximum of three images in total, either spread across the three themes or all within a single theme.
- Format: Digital photographs only (JPEG,JPG, PNG, RGB mode).
- Resolution: Maximum 1920 pixels on the longer side (e.g., 1920x1280 px for landscape, 1280x1920 px for portrait).
- File Size: The file size for each photograph should not exceed 2MB. (recommended 72-100 DPI for optimal compression).
- Editing: Minor retouching (brightness, contrast, sharpening, etc.) is allowed, but drastic alterations will lead to disqualification.
- Image Authenticity: Shortlisted entries must provide the original RAW file. If RAW was not used, the original unprocessed JPEG is required.
- Photos with watermarks, borders, or signatures.
- AI-generated or manipulated images that misrepresent reality.
- Images not adhering to ethical guidelines.
- Photographers must ensure no harm, distress, or disturbance is caused to birds or habitats.
- Prohibited Images:
- Captive birds or pets.
- Nesting birds.
- Photos taken using live bait.
- Photos involving unethical practices, such as habitat destruction or distressing birds.
- Participants must comply with national wildlife laws and obtain necessary permits.
- Misleading captions or falsified information will result in disqualification.
- Organizing team, sponsors, and partners cannot participate in the contest.
- A panel of esteemed professionals in photography, conservation, and wildlife research will evaluate submissions based on:
- Creativity & Originality
- Composition & Technical Excellence
- Ethical and Artistic Integrity
- Disqualification Criteria
- Photos with watermarks, borders, or signatures.
- AI-generated or manipulated images that misrepresent reality.
- Images not adhering to ethical guidelines.
- Submitted photos may be used to promote the contest and shared on Ataavi’s social media.
- For any other usage beyond promotional purposes, Ataavi will contact photographers for permissions.
- Prize money is non-transferable and subject to tax deductions, as per Indian government regulations.
- Participants must provide necessary documents for prize disbursement. Transactions may take up to three months.
- Any disputes fall under Mumbai jurisdiction.
Meet the Jury Panel
Rathika Ramasamy
Rathika Ramasamy is one of India’s leading wildlife photographers, widely acclaimed for her bird photography. A member of Nikon Professional Services, her work blends technical precision with visual storytelling and has been featured in prominent national and international publications. She conducts regular workshops and serves on juries for prestigious photography awards. Her contributions have also been recognized in the Tamil Nadu 10th Standard Science textbook. Rathika uses her photography to promote conservation and inspire a deeper connection with nature.
Jayanth Sharma
Jayanth Sharma is a renowned wildlife photographer and CEO of Toehold, known for his striking blend of fine-art and natural history photography. A Sony Artisan and ambassador for leading global brands, his work spans diverse landscapes across six continents. He conducts photography tours and workshops worldwide, mentoring aspiring photographers with expertise and humour. Jayanth’s award-winning images promote conservation and celebrate the wild in all its grandeur.
Dr. Sudhir Hasamnis
Dr Sudhir Hasamnis, 69 years, has been in bird and wild photography for 10 years and has clicked more than 1400 birds including Indian Subcontinent and abroad. He has set 2 India Book Records and 3 Asia Book Records for his non-stop posting on Facebook for the last 9 years. He has judged more than 20 photography competitions so far. He has authored more than 20 books so far and 3 of them are on wildlife. His wildlife books have won International awards such as ‘The Golden Book Awards’ and ‘The Exceller Book International Excellence Awards’.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Visit ataavi.org/ataavi-bird-photography-awards-2025/ to submit your photographs.
Basic enhancements like contrast, sharpening, and white balance adjustments are allowed, but excessive alterations will lead to disqualification.
Each participant can submit maximum of three photographs.
Shortlisted participants will be contacted to provide the RAW/original file. If unavailable, the entry will be disqualified.
No. Only natural, non-manipulated images taken in the wild are accepted.
The caption should provide details such as where, when, and how the image was taken, along with a short description of the subject.
