| Copyright | Photographs awarded with a prize or highly commended may be used in the context of the competition GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020 and its related public relations. T |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | open to photographers resident in Europe as well as GDT members, who may or may not be resident in Europe. |
| Finish | 1 March 2020 |
| Entry fee | 35 EUR (Entry in category K9 – up to and including 17 years is free of charge) |
FinishedPrizes:
- European Wildlife Photographer of the Year – 3,000 EUR
- Fritz Pölking Prize – 2,000 EUR
- Fritz Pölking Junior Prize – 1,500 EUR
- All award-winning images will be shown as large-format prints in an exhibition which will have its premiere at the International Nature Photography Festival in Lünen (23 to 25 October 2020). The award ceremony will take place during the International Nature Photography Festival on 23 October 2020at the Heinz-Hilpert-Theatre in Lünen.
- Category winners:
- K1 – 8: winners: 800 EUR & certificate
- K1 – 8: runners-up: 500 EUR & certificate
Categories:
- K1 – Birds
- K2 – Mammals
- K3 – Other Animals
- K4 – Plants & Fungi
- K5 – Landscape
- K6 – The Underwater World
- K7 – Man and Nature
- K8 – Nature‘s Studio
- K9 – Young Photographers (age groups: a) up to 14 years, b) 15 – 17 years)
- K10 – Fritz Pölking Prize – story- and portfolio prize
- K10 – Fritz Pölking Junior Prize– story- and portfolio prize (aged 26 years and under)
Online submission of digital photographs via the website.
Image requirements: longest side 1920 pixels(may be moderately sharpened); High resolution files – must be suitable for large format printing (e.g. 70 x 100 cm) and
must have Adobe RGB or sRGBcolour space.
Frequently asked questions — Animal photography contests
Who can enter animal photography contests?
Most animal contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and authentic animal behavior—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with wildlife conservation, pet photography, or artistic animal portrait focuses.
Are animal photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$45 per image, with early-bird discounts or multi-entry bundles often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do animal photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($200–$20,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to animal conservation projects. Recognition from respected wildlife organizations can amplify your impact and credibility in the animal photography community.
How do I choose which animal contest to enter?
Match your strongest animal images to the contest's focus—wildlife behavior, domestic pets, macro details, or conservation storytelling. Review past winners for style cues, verify ethical guidelines (no baiting or staging), and confirm technical specs like resolution and metadata requirements.
Frequently asked questions — Landscape photography contests
Who can enter landscape photography contests?
Most landscape contests welcome photographers worldwide, from enthusiasts to professionals. Many prioritize authentic location work and ethical land practices—review guidelines to confirm if your style aligns with the contest's artistic or conservation focus.
Are landscape photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$35 per image, with early-bird discounts or series bundles often reducing costs. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do landscape photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($250–$10,000) to feature spots in outdoor magazines, calendar placements, workshop scholarships, or exhibition inclusion. Recognition from respected nature publications can significantly boost your visibility in the outdoor photography community.
How do I choose which landscape contest to enter?
Match your strongest images to the contest's theme or geographic focus. Review past winners for aesthetic preferences, verify technical specs (resolution, EXIF data), and check location requirements—some contests prioritize specific regions, parks, or environmental narratives.
Frequently asked questions — Nature photography contests
Who can enter nature photography contests?
Most nature contests welcome photographers worldwide, from hobbyists to professionals. Many prioritize ethical shooting practices and environmental storytelling—review guidelines to confirm if your work aligns with conservation-focused or artistic missions.
Are nature photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$40 per image, with early-bird discounts or bundle rates often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do nature photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$15,000) to publication in nature magazines, exhibition features, professional gear, or donations to conservation projects. Recognition from respected environmental organizations can amplify your impact and visibility.
How do I choose which nature contest to enter?
Align your work with the contest's environmental mission or aesthetic focus. Review past winners for style cues, verify technical specs (resolution, metadata), and confirm ethical guidelines—many nature contests prohibit baiting, staging, or disruptive wildlife practices.
Frequently asked questions — Photography exhibition contests
Who can enter photography exhibition contests?
Most exhibition contests welcome photographers with cohesive bodies of work—emerging to mid-career artists. Some prioritize thematic series or conceptual depth; review curatorial guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the venue's vision.
Are exhibition contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $15–$50 per submission, with portfolio or series entries priced higher. Entry fees and early-bird discounts are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do exhibition contests offer?
Prizes emphasize physical or virtual presentation: gallery exhibition slots, group show inclusion, catalog features, press coverage, or artist talks. Cash awards are less common but may range $1,000–$5,000 for top honors.
How do I choose which exhibition contest to enter?
Match your series to the venue's curatorial focus and research past exhibitions for aesthetic alignment. Verify technical specs (print size, framing, digital format), review shipping or installation requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some exhibitions request display or promotional usage rights.