The Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPOTY) contest for 2017 is now open for entries. The deadline for submissions is 15 December 2016. Although the entry period has been brought forward, the awards and exhibition opening will be during October as is traditional.

The entry fee for WPOTY 53 is £30 for 25 entries.

From Wildlife Photographer of the Year’s Facebook page:

Spread the word: the next Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition is open for entries!

From intimate animal portraits to atmospheric landscapes, and from ground-breaking photojournalism to insightful displays of animal behaviour, the jury invites creative entries from professional and amateur photographers.

We’ve revised our categories to make entering the competition simpler and to ensure we present the most diverse collection of winning images possible.

Find out more and enter the competition here

Deadline 15 December 2016, 11.30am GMT.