There’s something wild about a photo that makes you stop scrolling, and the latest winners from the German Society for Nature Photography do exactly that. GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 competition drops us straight into the raw, untamed heartbeat of the planet, where every frame feels alive, electric, and real.
This year’s spotlight belongs to Luca Lorenz, a young creative out of Berlin who turned a fleeting alpine moment into pure visual poetry. His winning shot, a snow hare blending into the icy silence of the Alps, hits different. It’s quiet, haunting, and insanely powerful, the kind of image that sticks with you long after you’ve looked away.
But this collection isn’t just about one standout. These 23 winning photos are a whole vibe: wildlife mid-motion, landscapes that feel untouched, and fragile ecosystems caught in perfect light. Each image tells a story, not just of beauty, but of urgency. Nature isn’t just flexing here; it’s reminding us what’s at stake.
From dramatic encounters to soft, almost cinematic stillness, these photographers aren’t just capturing nature; they’re translating it. And honestly? It’s breathtaking.
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1. Overall & Mammals Winner: "White on white" by Luca Lorenz
"It was my first encounter with this remarkable creature. High above the treeline in the Swiss Alps, I was traversing a steep, snow-covered slope with my friends Levi Fitze and Marc Siegle when we spotted it—an alpine hare—sitting some 30 metres below us, sheltered from wind and drifting snow at the entrance to a small rock hollow.
For a long time, I observed the hare as it sat practically motionless, perfectly camouflaged with its white winter coat, gazing out across the distant Alpine peaks. Using a long exposure combined with intentional camera movement, I sought to capture the animals visual fusion with the landscape. Even at close range with a telephoto lens, this approach allowed me to preserve the hare’s elusive presence, while fine streaks in the frame evoke the movement of snow sweeping across the stark landscape."
2. Birds – Winner: "Black-headed gull" by Radomir Jakubowski
3. Birds – Runner-up: "Eurasian curlew in front of JadeWeserPort" by Christian Kosanetzky
4. Birds – Runner-up: "The grand return" by Lars von Ritter Zahony
5. Mammals – Runner-up: "Shelter" by Preeti John
6. Mammals – Runner-up: "Snowstorm" by Sarah Böhm
7. Mammals – Runner-up: "A hedgehog’s paradise" by Gregor Thiel
8. Other Animals – Winner: "Practice makes perfect" by Jens Cullmann
9. Other Animals – Runner-up: "Mosquitoes on fire" by Noah Marcheel
10. Other Animals – Runner-up: "Perched" by Heike Odermatt
11. Plants and Fungi – Winner: "Green lines" by Tobias Richter
12. Plants and Fungi – Runner-up: "Small world" by Anja Mickel
13. Plants and Fungi – Runner-up: "Universe of algae" by Caroline Walter
14. Landscapes – Winner: "Frozen forest" by Eike Christian Wolff
15. Landscapes – Runner-up: "Feeling small" by Anja Diel
16. Landscapes – Runner-up: "Rice fields in Madagascar" by Uwe Hasubek
17. Nature’s Studio – Winner: "Fragments of light" by Beate Oswald
18. Nature’s Studio – Runner-up: "Lava dragon" by Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove
19. Nature’s Studio – Runner-up: "With the waves" by Sandra Westermann
20. Special Category: Biodiversity – Winner: "Rich in structure" by Dieter Damschen
21. Special Category: Biodiversity – Runner-up: "Ancient rivals" by Amit Eshel
22. Special Category: Biodiversity – Runner-up: "Composed by nature" by Katja Manski
23. Prize of the Jury: "Lifelines" by Roy Müller
FAQs:
What is the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year competition?
The GDT Nature Photographer of the Year is an annual contest organized by the German Society for Nature Photography. It celebrates exceptional wildlife and nature photography, showcasing powerful images captured by its members across diverse ecosystems and environments.
Who won the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2026?
Luca Lorenz, a young photographer from Berlin and member of the GDT Youth Group, won the 2026 title. His stunning image of a snow hare in the Alps impressed judges with its composition, atmosphere, and depth of storytelling.
What makes the winning photos special in 2026?
The 2026 winners stand out for their emotional impact and storytelling. They highlight both the beauty and fragility of nature, combining technical excellence with unique perspectives that capture rare, fleeting moments in the wild.
Can anyone participate in the GDT competition?
No, the competition is exclusively open to members of the German Society for Nature Photography. This ensures a high standard of entries from dedicated photographers passionate about documenting and preserving the natural world.
Why is nature photography important today?
Nature photography plays a key role in raising awareness about environmental issues. It visually communicates the beauty and vulnerability of ecosystems, inspiring people to appreciate, protect, and conserve wildlife and natural habitats for future generations.
