Hey, Reader!
Your camera roll might be hiding more than memories. A photo essay, a competition entry, maybe even the beginnings of a conservation storytelling career…
This week, I’ve rounded up six photography, travel, and adventure opportunities for Shutterbugs Gone Wild and I’m sharing the first two with you here for free.
1. Get your travel photography published in AAP Magazine
Have a collection of photographs that tells a story about a place? AAP Magazine’s Travels competition is accepting cohesive portfolios, with selected work appearing in its print issue and online. There’s also $1,000 in total cash prizessplit among the top three winners.
Good for: Amateur or professional photographers aged 18+ with a connected set of travel images. Local adventures and phone photographs count!
Skip if: You only have unrelated favorites or would rather stick to free submissions.
Deadline: November 10, 2026.
Entry fee: $35 for the first three images, then $5 per additional image, up to 40.
Choose your images carefully: you cannot change your submission after payment.
Explore the AAP opportunity →
2. Apply for a funded ocean storytelling assignment
The Save Our Seas Foundation is selecting two emerging photographers to receive $2,000 each, plus a paid, three-week conservation photography assignment in 2027, with travel covered and expert mentorship.
And no, you don’t need an underwater camera setup. Stories can focus on coastal communities, fisheries, wildlife, or marine habitats.
Good for: Emerging photographers interested in conservation storytelling, with no more than five years of professional photography-related experience.
Skip if: You exceed that experience limit, already hold an active SOSF grant, or cannot commit to the assignment.
Deadline: November 15, 2026, at 18:00 CET / noon Eastern / 10 a.m. Mountain.
What to prepare: A 20-image portfolio and a separate 10-image photo story.
Explore the Save Our Seas grant →
Want the other four? Come get a little wild. 🐾
Inside this week’s Shutterbugs Gone Wild paid edition, you’ll also find:
- Environmental photography fellowships offering up to $20,000.
- A photo competition with three free entries.
- A travel photo essay opportunity with published rates of $350–$600.
- A route to getting your travel and nature photography represented for licensing.
I’ve included who each opportunity suits, who should skip it, deadlines, application links, and the details worth knowing before you spend your time or money.
Paid membership also includes monthly Adventure Packs, photography news and opportunities, and fresh inspiration to help you build a life worth photographing.
You don’t have to apply for everything. Pick one that makes you think, “Wait…maybe I could do that.” Then take the first step.
Stay wild,
Alexandra 🧜♀️
These opportunities are independently shared, not personal referrals or endorsements. Please apply directly and do not list me, The Bucket List Mermaid, or Shutterbugs Gone Wild as a reference. Details were checked November 2, 2026; confirm current eligibility, fees, deadlines, and image rights before submitting.
Stay wild & keep clicking,
Alexandra 🧜♀️
The Bucket List Mermaid
