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DE · Moderate entry · 2027 · verified

Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition)

Glanzlichter Competition (Florian & Lisa Marie Smit) glanzlichter-competition.com ↗

Closes Jan 10, 2027 · D − 90
Top prize $2.9K grand prize
Fee Moderate 30 EUR for up to 30 images
AI policy No AI rendering denoise / sharpen ok
Categories 9 9 single · 0 multi-image

Worth entering? $2.9K top prize against 30 EUR for up to 30 images. The jury read and the rights terms below are what decide it — not the prize math. Jury read ↓ · Rights & disqualifiers ↓

Submit-Safe · before you pay the entry fee Read the fine print

Read the fine print first — Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition) has 5 hard disqualifiers and demanding rights terms.

What this contest takes

Standard terms — you keep copyright and full control; the licence is limited to promoting the contest.

  • Copyright stays with the entrant. Rule text: "Die Teilnehmer*innen behalten das Urheberrecht an ihren Bildern. Mit der Teilnahme gewähren die Teilnehmer*innen das nicht-exklusive Recht, die prämierten Fotos im Rahmen des Wettbewerbs zu veröffentlichen, auszustellen und zur Bewerbung an Dritte weiterzugeben [...]. Für die Nutzung kann kein Anspruch auf Nutzungshonorar geltend gemacht werden." (Non-exclusive right to publish, exhibit and pass awarded photos to third parties for promotion within the competition; no usage fee.)
  • Duration: Not stated; awarded photos, competition-related use
  • You keep your copyright
  • Credited when used

What disqualifies you

No AI rendering, no composites, no stacked scenes — the image must be true to the moment captured.

  • Ai generation Only tonal, contrast, saturation, sharpening and crop adjustments. HDR, focus stacking and stitched panoramas are allowed; multiple exposures only in-camera. Any further manipulation or use of AI leads to disqualification. Originals (RAW or straight-from-camera JPG) are checked after the first pre-selection. “Weitergehende Bearbeitungsschritte, digitale Bildmanipulationen und der Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz sind nicht erlaubt und führen zur Disqualifikation.”
  • Image format No domestic or farm animals; captive or controlled-condition subjects must be flagged 'C'; images made by manipulating the site or harming the environment are excluded. Underwater: no cloning of particles. “Fotografien von Haus- und Hoftieren sind vom Wettbewerb ausgeschlossen. Wenn die Aufnahme ein Tier in Gefangenschaft (Zoo, Gehege, Gamefarm) zeigt oder unter kontrollierten Bedingungen entstanden ist, muss das Bild im Uploadtool mit C (= captive) gekennzeichnet werden.”
  • Image format Up to 30 images per entrant; 1920px JPEG (Adobe RGB or sRGB), must not be interpolated; full file must support an 80cm print. “Maximal 30 Bilder - diese können frei auf die Kategorien verteilt werden.”
  • Copyright ownership Own work only; all rights must lie with the photographer and not be blocked by agencies or publishers; model release needed for people. “Es werden nur eigene Werke akzeptiert. [...] Alle Rechte an dem Foto müssen beim Fotografen / bei der Fotografin liegen. Das Foto darf nicht durch Agenturen oder Verlage gesperrt sein.”
Closes Jan 10, 2027 · D−90 30 EUR for up to 30 images Upload spec: Files: JPGMax 1920px long edgesRGB colour profileNo watermarks
Check your photo against these exact rules — free → No account · reads the editing line, the AI clause and the file spec · rules human-verified
№ 02 · The editorial read

What this jury looks for

Jury renewed every year: experienced nature photographers, wildlife and nature conservationists, biologists and photo-industry figures. Independent digital pre-selection, then three days of in-person deliberation. Running since 1999 with a touring exhibition at 20+ German venues. Stated priorities: authentic_nature > natural_rendering > a…

The full editorial read continues with past-winner pattern, fee-to-prize value, rights translated, and three comparable competitions. Studio reads the rest.

See Studio — €11/mo → Or one-shot read for €14 →

Categories

Magnificent Wilderness | Landscapes

Single

Nature landscapes — atmospheric scenes, wild places and landscape details.

The Beauty of Plants and Fungi

Single

Detailed images of wild plants and fungi — forms and structures, artistic or classic.

Nature as Art | Shapes, colors and abstractions

Single

Nature as artist — abstract, creative and experimental images of natural forms and patterns.

Artists on Wings | Birds

Single

Birds in flight, foraging or interacting.

The World of Mammals

Single

Wild mammals from elephants to shrews — portraits or action, day or night.

Diversity of all other Animals

Single

All other wild animal species — insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish and more.

Moments in Nature

Single

Unique encounters and small wonders of nature and wildlife.

Enduring the Cold

Single

Frozen landscapes, harsh winter climate, snow and ice, and resilient wildlife.

Junior Award (up to 17)

Single

Young nature photographers up to 17 enter any category; age groups up to 13 and 14–17 (€15 fee).

F Format requirements 1 spec

glanzlichter_entry

  • File types: jpg
  • Max long edge: 1920px
  • Color profile: sRGB
  • No watermarks
E Eligibility 4 rules
  • Only tonal, contrast, saturation, sharpening and crop adjustments. HDR, focus stacking and stitched panoramas are allowed; multiple exposures only in-camera. Any further manipulation or use of AI leads to disqualification. Originals (RAW or straight-from-camera JPG) are checked after the first pre-selection. hard

    “Weitergehende Bearbeitungsschritte, digitale Bildmanipulationen und der Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz sind nicht erlaubt und führen zur Disqualifikation.”

  • No domestic or farm animals; captive or controlled-condition subjects must be flagged 'C'; images made by manipulating the site or harming the environment are excluded. Underwater: no cloning of particles. hard

    “Fotografien von Haus- und Hoftieren sind vom Wettbewerb ausgeschlossen. Wenn die Aufnahme ein Tier in Gefangenschaft (Zoo, Gehege, Gamefarm) zeigt oder unter kontrollierten Bedingungen entstanden ist, muss das Bild im Uploadtool mit C (= captive) gekennzeichnet werden.”

  • Up to 30 images per entrant; 1920px JPEG (Adobe RGB or sRGB), must not be interpolated; full file must support an 80cm print. hard

    “Maximal 30 Bilder - diese können frei auf die Kategorien verteilt werden.”

  • Own work only; all rights must lie with the photographer and not be blocked by agencies or publishers; model release needed for people. hard

    “Es werden nur eigene Werke akzeptiert. [...] Alle Rechte an dem Foto müssen beim Fotografen / bei der Fotografin liegen. Das Foto darf nicht durch Agenturen oder Verlage gesperrt sein.”

Jury context

Jury renewed every year: experienced nature photographers, wildlife and nature conservationists, biologists and photo-industry figures. Independent digital pre-selection, then three days of in-person deliberation. Running since 1999 with a touring exhibition at 20+ German venues.

Priorities: authentic nature natural rendering aesthetic impact field ethics

Tone: natural atmospheric patient fieldcraft nature as art

Avoid: ai tools digital manipulation domestic animals undeclared captive subjects interpolated files

Prizes

Over €28,000 in prizes. All Over Winner: €2,500, trophy, Glanzlichter book, DVF gold medal. Category winners (1–8): €500, trophy, book. Junior Award: €750. All Highlights: €50 and a book. Touring exhibition across Germany; ceremony at the Naturfototage Fürstenfeld, 23 April 2027.

Exhibition Publication

R Rights & licensing what you grant the organizer
What you grant
Copyright stays with the entrant. Rule text: "Die Teilnehmer*innen behalten das Urheberrecht an ihren Bildern. Mit der Teilnahme gewähren die Teilnehmer*innen das nicht-exklusive Recht, die prämierten Fotos im Rahmen des Wettbewerbs zu veröffentlichen, auszustellen und zur Bewerbung an Dritte weiterzugeben [...]. Für die Nutzung kann kein Anspruch auf Nutzungshonorar geltend gemacht werden." (Non-exclusive right to publish, exhibit and pass awarded photos to third parties for promotion within the competition; no usage fee.)
Duration
Not stated; awarded photos, competition-related use
Exclusivity
none
Attribution
Required
Copyright retained by photographer
Yes

Before you enter — quick answers

Is Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition) free to enter?
Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition) is not free: 30 EUR for up to 30 images. Check the organizer's page for the full fee rules and any waivers.
Are AI-generated images allowed in Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition)?
No. Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition) requires biological and factual fidelity: AI rendering or generated content is not allowed, and the scene must be true to what was photographed.
When is the Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition) deadline?
Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition) closes on Jan 10, 2027 (in 90 days).
How do I know if my photo is eligible for Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition)?
Read your photograph against Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie 2027 (29th International Nature Photo Competition)'s published rules — the editing line, the AI clause, and the file requirements — free and without an account with WinPhoto's eligibility check. It tells you whether your image is eligible before you pay the entry fee.