Photo: Bob Garas

We maybe in August, but it is as important as ever, to keep a note of the best photography competitions to enter this year. If you are a budding photographer wanting to build your experience, or an expert in need of another accolade, entering a competition can give you the exposure you need. Not forgetting, the thrill of winning a prestigious title.

I have compiled the list of the top 5 online photography competitions to enter by the end of the year.

The Guardian – Travel Photography Competition

To enter: www.theguardian.com/travel/

This excellent monthly competition is an opportunity for you to capture the essence of your journeys around the world, and to showcase them online. The winner of each month’s competition will be able to see their shot mounted and displayed at the Guardian’s offices in London at the end of the year. The overall winner will win an amazing 11-night trip to KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. (You must be a UK resident to enter).

Amateur Photographer of the Year 2014

To enter: www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/apoy/540816/apoy-2014-round-6-macro-world

Amateur Photographer holds a number of prestigious monthly competitions, so be sure to take a look. They have already run over four competitions this year, and this month hosts the Macro World award for – insects, flowers and plants. First prize will see you win an Olympus OM-D E-M10 with a 14-42mm EZ Pancake zoom, a 45mm f/1.8 portrait lens, a 40-150mm zoom, a 9mm fisheye lens, a macro adapter and a street case in which to carry it all – a grand retail price of £1,200. The deadline for entries is 29th August.

Heritage Photo Competition

To enter: www.seniortravelexpert.com/photo-competition

This remarkable free competition is for amateur photographers only, I’m afraid. The travel event asks photographers to capture the atmosphere of a location, that relates to the title of the competition. The shot can be taken anywhere in the world, and could include the architectural, cultural, historical and natural heritage. If you need a little inspiration, take a look at their site for more details. The deadline for entries is 1st October 2014.

Royal Horticultural Society Photographer of the Year 2014

To enter: www.rhs.org.uk/Promotions/rhs-photo-competition

This years Royal Horticultural Society competition gives opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers from around the globe to enter five distinct categories from adults to children. Each winner along with their individual prizes and esteemed titles will receive a RHS Gift Membership, entitling them to a year’s free entry to all RHS Gardens. The deadline for all competitions is 2nd November.

Travel Photographer of the Year

To enter: www.tpoty.com/awards/how-to-enter

Run by photographers this illustrious competition presents the very best of travel photography. The competition is open to one and all and boasts more categories and opportunities than last year’s event. The TPOTY, as its known, is more about exposure than prizes – new careers have been started, established photographic careers have received a huge boost, and people who never thought they’d see their photographs in print have had a lovely surprise. Do well in this competition, and your work will be showcased around the world. The deadline for entries is 1st October 2014.