The Glanzlichter 2027 nature photography competition opens for submissions on October 1, 2026. Photographers worldwide can enter their work in eight categories until January 10, 2027. Organized by Florian and Lisa Marie Smit since 2024, it continues a tradition of celebrating exceptional nature photography that began in 1999. The competition aims to showcase outstanding nature photography on an international stage, attracting participants from diverse backgrounds and regions.
A key change for Glanzlichter 2027 is the addition of the category “Enduring the Cold – Im Reich der Kälte.” This category invites images of cold environments and life forms adapting to harsh winters, including frosty environments and organisms thriving in extreme cold. Conversely, the dedicated category for drone-captured aerial shots has been removed. However, drone and aerial photography remain eligible and can now be submitted across all relevant categories, offering more flexibility to participants.
A Junior Award is available for photographers aged 17 and under. The regular entry fee is €30, with a reduced fee of €15 for participants under 18. The previous edition attracted 24,674 entries from 1,074 photographers across 44 countries, highlighting its global reach. This international participation shows the competition’s reputation as a premier platform for nature photography.
Prizes totaling over €28,000 will be awarded, with a focus on recognizing exceptional talent and creativity. The top prize, sponsored by CEWE, is €2,500, awarded to the overall winner. Category winners receive €500 and a trophy, while “Highlight” images within each category earn €50. The Junior Award winner receives €750 and the opportunity to host their own exhibition, supporting the next generation of nature photographers.
Winning photographs will debut at the International Fürstenfelder Nature Photography Days, a prestigious event that draws photography enthusiasts from around the world. Following this premiere, the exhibition will tour over 20 locations in Germany, allowing a broader audience to appreciate the stunning works. The competition is endorsed by the German Association for Photography e. V., further cementing its credibility and impact in the photography community. Detailed information and submission guidelines are available on the contest’s official website.
