For nearly three decades, the “Glanzlichter” competition has been a cornerstone event for the international nature photography community. Now in its 28th edition, the Glanzlichter of Nature Photography 2026 continues its mission to showcase the magnificence of the natural world while promoting a respectful approach to the environment. Organized by nature photographers Lisa Marie and Florian Smit, this competition is renowned for its high artistic standards and its dedication to authentic, unmanipulated imagery.
If you are searching for the best photography competitions to enter that offer both prestige and a massive platform, Glanzlichter is a top-tier choice. The deadline to submit your work is January 5, 2026, so entrants should finalize their portfolios soon. The winning images do not just live online, they travel throughout Germany in a high-class exhibition seen at over twenty locations. With a total prize pool worth over €28,000 and a distinct focus on everything from aerial views to the microscopic details of fungi, this contest is a beacon for those passionate about the planet.
Contents
The Glanzlichter of Nature Photography Prizes
The awards for the Glanzlichter of Nature Photography 2026 edition are designed to honor excellence across all levels of experience. The total prize fund exceeds €28,000, distributed among cash awards, trophies, and the highly collectible Glanzlichter book. The overall winner receives the highest honor and a substantial cash prize, but category winners and junior talents are also generously rewarded.
The specific prizes include:
- All Over Winner: €2,500, a Trophy, the Glanzlichter book, and a DVF gold medal.
- Category Winners (Categories 1-8): €500 for 1st place in each category, a Trophy, and the Glanzlichter book.
- Junior Award Winner: €750, a Trophy, the Glanzlichter book, a DVF gold medal, and their own photo exhibition by CEWE.
- Highlights: All highlighted images receive €50 and a copy of the Glanzlichter book.
Winners who attend the gala dinner and award ceremony in Fürstenfeldbruck also receive a personalized CEWE photo book featuring the awarded images with their own photo on the cover.
Related Photo Contests
The Categories of the Glanzlichter of Nature Photography
The Glanzlichter of Nature Photography competition is structured into eight main categories plus a dedicated section for young photographers.
- Magnificent Wilderness: This category is dedicated to landscape photography, looking for atmospheric scenes and habitats that capture the majesty of nature.
- The Beauty of Plants and Fungi: A space for detailed shots of flora, perfect for those who specialize in fauna and flora imagery.
- Nature as Art: This section invites abstract photography and creative experiments where shapes and colors take precedence over documentation.
- Artists on Wings: A category exclusively for birds in their natural environment.
- The World of Mammals: From large herds to intimate portraits, this category celebrates the lives of mammals.
- Diversity of all other Animals: This inclusive category covers everything else, from reptiles to insects, making it ideal for general wildlife photography.
- Moments in Nature: Focusing on unique encounters and fleeting moments that leave a lasting impact.
- Aerial Views of Nature: A category for aerial photography taken by multicopter or drone, revealing structures invisible from the ground.
- Junior Award: Open to young photographers up to 17 years old, accepting entries across all themes.
Glanzlichter of Nature Photography Dates and Entry Fees
The submission window is strictly enforced, closing right at the beginning of the year. Photographers should ensure their uploads are complete well before the midday deadline.
Key Dates:
| Start of Competition | October 1, 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | January 5, 2026 (12:00 pm CET) |
| Request for Original Files | From January 27, 2026 |
| Award Ceremony | April 24, 2026 (Fürstenfeldbruck) |
Entry Costs:
- Standard Fee (18+): €30.
- Junior Fee (Under 18): €15.
How to Enter:
Participation is handled exclusively online through the Glanzlichter of Nature Photography website. After registering, you can upload up to 30 images in total, distributing them freely among the categories. Images should be JPEGs, 1920 pixels on the longest side. If your image is selected for the final round, you will be required to submit the original RAW file to verify authenticity. This step is crucial, as the competition enforces strict rules against excessive digital manipulation.
About the Jury
The jury panel changes every year to ensure fresh perspectives and fairness. For the 2026 edition, the organizers have assembled a trio of experts who bring diverse experiences to the table:
- Stefan Rosengarten: A passionate nature photographer who balances his career as a chemist with capturing wildlife and landscapes.
- Birgit Potthoff: Known for her focus on secluded places and macro photography, particularly “icescapes,” she looks for emotion and reduction to the essential.
- Florian Smit: One of Germany’s most renowned nature photographers and a competition organizer, known for his worldwide projects and educational workshops.
Why Enter Glanzlichter of Nature Photography 2026?
Winning a Glanzlichter award is a prestigious accolade that resonates across the European nature photography scene. The most significant benefit is the extensive exhibition tour. Unlike similar photo contests online where the exhibition is digital or held in a single location for a week, the Glanzlichter show travels to over twenty locations throughout Germany. This ensures your work is seen by thousands of people over the course of a year.
Additionally, the commitment to ethical photography makes this a safe harbor for artists who value authenticity. Knowing that your work is being judged against other unmanipulated images levels the playing field and adds weight to the achievement.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Glanzlichter of Nature Photography 2026 has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Copyright and Usage:
Participants retain the copyright to their images. By entering, you grant the organizers the non-exclusive right to use the award-winning photos for the competition’s exhibition, the Glanzlichter book, and press work related to the event. The photographer’s name is always provided.
Eligibility and Ethics:
The competition is open to everyone worldwide. Images of domestic or farm animals are excluded. If an animal was photographed in captivity (zoo, game farm), it must be marked with a “C”. The use of AI is strictly prohibited. Image editing is limited to standard corrections like contrast, saturation, and cropping; removing elements or adding content will lead to disqualification.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
