GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026
The GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres is the German Society for Nature Photography's flagship member competition. Authenticity verification is built into the workflow: after the first shortlist, the jury reviews original camera files (RAW or original JPG) before naming finalists. The 2026 cycle closed in February and was decided in early May, with Luca Lorenz winning overall for a painterly image of a mountain hare. Although German-language-only, it remains one of the most policy-strict DACH nature competitions and a useful benchmark for German-speaking entrants planning submissions to international rounds.
- Deadline
- February 1, 2026
- Entry fee
- Free entry
- Results
- May 4, 2026
Authenticity policy
AI policy
Die Jury überprüft die Authentizität von Digitalbildern nach der ersten Vorauswahl anhand der Original-Bilddateien. Als Original-Bilddateien zugelassen sind RAW-Dateien aller Formate und Original-JPGs.
RAW files
Die Jury überprüft die Authentizität von Digitalbildern nach der ersten Vorauswahl anhand der Original-Bilddateien. Als Original-Bilddateien zugelassen sind RAW-Dateien aller Formate und Original-JPGs.
Editing rules
The GDT statutes commit the organization to authentic nature photography produced exclusively with the means of photography, which is the basis for ruling out AI-generated and composited entries. Original RAW or original-JPG files are reviewed after the first shortlist to verify authenticity. The competition runs in two phases (shortlist then final), and is open only to GDT members.
Verified on June 12, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Does GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026 allow AI-generated images?
- No. GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026 does not permit AI-generated images in its competition entries.
- Are RAW files required to enter GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026?
- Shortlisted entrants must supply their RAW files.
- When is the GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026 entry deadline?
- Entries for GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026 close on February 1, 2026.
- How much does it cost to enter GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026?
- GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026 is free to enter.
- When are the GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026 results announced?
- GDT Naturfotograf des Jahres 2026 announces its results on May 4, 2026.
Do you run a photo contest? See how organizers verify entries
More Wildlife contests
Browse all contests- ConservationMag Photography Awards 2026
- World Nature Photography Awards 2026 (WNPA)
- Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2026
- Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 (NPOTY)
- Africa Geographic Photographer of the Year 2026
- National Wildlife Federation 55th Annual Photo Contest 2026