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.
- Deadline
- March 1, 2026
- Entry fee
- EUR 35 standard entry; free for the K9 (Young Photographers) category
Authenticity policy
AI policy
Die Authentizität der Fotografien ist oberstes Gebot.
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