Can I still enter GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026?

No. Entries for the 2026 edition closed on March 1, 2026. Check the official site for the next edition, or look at contests that are currently open.

Does GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 allow AI-generated images?

No. GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.

Are RAW files required to enter GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026?

Shortlisted entrants must supply their RAW files.

How much does it cost to enter GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026?

EUR 35 standard entry; free for the K9 (Young Photographers) category

Results announcedGesellschaft für Naturfotografie (GDT)

GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026

The GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the DACH region's flagship wildlife competition, open to photographers residing in Europe and to GDT members worldwide. The 2026 cycle attracted 1,240 photographers across 10 categories, with prize money exceeding EUR 45,000. Winning images tour Germany and Europe in a travelling exhibition for three years following the award ceremony at the International Nature Photography Festival in Lünen (23-25 October). Authenticity is the organisation's stated highest precept.

AI bannedRAW for shortlist

Deadline: March 1, 2026
Entry fee: EUR 35 standard entry; free for the K9 (Young Photographers) category

Official site Read full rules

The 2026 edition has ended

Entries closed on March 1, 2026. The information on this page describes this edition and stays available as a reference for the rules and the results.

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Authenticity policy

AI policy

Die Authentizität der Fotografien ist oberstes Gebot.
Source: https://www.gdtfoto.de/seiten/european-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-competition-rules.html

RAW files

After a pre-selection procedure, the jury will check the authenticity of digital images by reference to the original image files. RAW files of any format (e.g. *.NEF, *.CRW, *.CR2, *.PEF) as well as original JPG files will be accepted as original image files.
Source: https://www.gdtfoto.de/pdf/enj2025/02_GDT_European_Wildlife_Photographer_of_the_Year_2025_Competition_Rules.pdf

Editing rules

The GDT statutes commit the organization to authentic nature photography. Composites, AI-generated images, and significant content alteration are incompatible with the authenticity precept that governs both the EWPY and Naturfotograf des Jahres competitions. As in the members' competition, the jury checks pre-selected images against the original camera files (RAW of any format, or JPG straight out of the camera; DNG only if it is the camera's native format) before finalists are named. 1,240 photographers entered the 2026 cycle, submitting more than 26,000 images.

Verified on September 13, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can I still enter GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026?: No. Entries for the 2026 edition closed on March 1, 2026. Check the official site for the next edition, or look at contests that are currently open.
Does GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 allow AI-generated images?: No. GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
Are RAW files required to enter GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026?: Shortlisted entrants must supply their RAW files.
When is the GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 entry deadline?: Entries for GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 close on March 1, 2026.
How much does it cost to enter GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026?: EUR 35 standard entry; free for the K9 (Young Photographers) category

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