Fragments of light, Category winner, Atelier Natur. Reeds and dancing sun glitter reflect in the blue waters of Lake Starnberg.

Beate Oswald, Germany - GDT Nature Photographer Of The Year 2026

The winning images of the Nature Photographer of the Year 2026, organized by the German Society for Nature Photography (GDT) are a celebration of the extraordinary beauty, diversity and fragility of the natural world.

From a perfectly camouflaged snow hare high in the Swiss Alps to a misty, frozen forest that looks almost otherworldly, this year’s selection highlights both artistic excellence and urgent environmental storytelling.

The competition drew nearly 9,000 entries spanning seven categories: Birds, Mammals, Other Animals, Plants and Fungi, Landscapes, Nature’s Studio, and a new 2026 category, Biodiversity: The Beauty and Significance of Natural Diversity.

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The GDT Nature Photographer Of The Year contest is a members-only association founded in 1971 that currently includes members from Germany and 26 other countries.

The overall winner is Berlin-based photographer Luca Lorenz, a member of the GDT Youth Group, for his striking image White on White. The photograph captures an Alpine mountain hare standing almost motionless at the entrance of a rocky shelter, its white winter coat blending seamlessly into the snowy landscape.

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Lorenz spotted the animal roughly 30 meters below him and aimed to document its near-invisibility in the harsh alpine environment. The result is both visually minimal and technically impressive — an image that rewards careful observation.

But beyond its beauty, the photograph carries a deeper message about climate change. The Alpine mountain hare relies on seasonal camouflage, changing its fur from brown to white in winter. As snowfall becomes less predictable, hares are increasingly left exposed against snowless terrain, a phenomenon scientists call “color mismatch.” This makes them more vulnerable to predators such as foxes and birds of prey.

“In light of the significant challenges facing the species, raising awareness and supporting research into these extraordinary animals is more important than ever,” Lorenz said.

The GDT’s annual competition not only celebrates technical and artistic achievement but also aims to highlight environmental issues and promote conservation.

“Our aim is to safeguard biodiversity while making it tangible and accessible for present and future generations,” the organization said in a statement.

Taken together, the winning photographs serve as a powerful reminder: Nature’s beauty is inseparable from its vulnerability and photography remains one of the most compelling ways to bring that message to a global audience.