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?

Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.

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 finalists

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

Official site Read full rules

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

Not specified

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. 1,240 photographers entered the 2026 cycle, submitting more than 26,000 images.

Verified on June 12, 2026

Frequently asked questions

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?: Finalists may be asked to supply their RAW files for verification.
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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