The Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition was set up to find the best wildlife pictures taken by photographers worldwide, and to inspire visionary and expressive interpretations of nature. The judges are looking for aesthetic appeal and originality, with a preference for photographs taken in wild and free conditions. The judges will also want to see images that faithfully represent nature. Closing date for entries received by post: Friday 23 March 2007. Closing date for entries received online: Friday 30 March 2007.

The competition is open to anyone, amateur or professional, of any age and of any nationality. All the winning and commended photographs will go on display at the Natural History Museum, London, from October 2007 until spring 2008. The exhibition will tour the UK, as well as many countries overseas. All the winning and commended images will be published in a commemorative hardback book, Portfolio 17, and the winners in a souvenir supplement free with the November issue of BBC Wildlife Magazine. The title of Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2007 will be given to the photographer judged to have taken the single most striking and memorable of all the entries in the 12 categories and three special awards. The winning photographer will receive a cheque for £10,000, presented at an awards ceremony at the Natural History Museum, London, in October 2007. Visit the site for details.