As well as the main title of Bird Photographer of the Year awarded to the best overall individual image, a prize will be awarded to the best overall portfolio comprising a collection of 6 images. Our judges will be looking for the collection that best showcases diversity of technique while demonstrating consistency of skill and talent. Image ©Petr Bambousek

This category is sponsored by leading natural history travel company, Wildlife Worldwide, together with sister company, The Travelling Naturalist. It celebrates all that is positive about the impact of the avian world on people and the potential that it has to inspire all of us. This innovative category combines imagery and prose: entrants are invited to submit an image that represents an inspirational encounter with birds accompanied by approximately 150 words of text. The imagery and text combined should tell a story and convey to the viewer and reader the significance of this moment to the photographer. Image ©Rob Read

NEW FOR 2020. This award seeks a series of 3–6 images and extended captions that together document the story behind a bird related conservation or environmental issue. The subject story can have a positive or negative narrative; be ‘shock and awe’ or unerringly optimistic. The judges will be looking for a cohesive set of images that show tenacious and innovative story-telling in a photo-journalistic style. Click here for more on this award and to watch our video.

The team at Nature Photographers Ltd is proud to sponsor the People’s Choice Awards. Once entries are closed, selected images can be voted on by the BPOTY community. This is your chance to have your say in who wins, and the People’s Choice winner in each category will receive a £50 cash prize. Image ©Oliver Smart