Photography Contest

Glanzlichter 2025 Nature Photography Competition
Deadline |
CLOSEDTheme |
NatureTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Open to allEntry Fees |
20 EurosPrizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
GlanzlichterThe Glanzlichter 2025 Nature Photography Competition is an international event celebrating the artistry and responsibility inherent in nature photography. Since its inception in 1999, Glanzlichter has drawn talented photographers worldwide, each showcasing unique perspectives on landscapes, wildlife, and plant life. The competition’s foundation rests on ethical principles that highlight the beauty of nature with minimal digital alterations, offering a showcase for photographs that capture the unedited majesty and diversity of the natural world. By focusing on authenticity, Glanzlichter promotes awareness of the fragile ecosystems around us, reinforcing the importance of conservation through the power of imagery.
Glanzlichter sets itself apart by offering a wide range of categories that encourage photographers to explore multiple facets of nature, from sweeping landscapes in the “Magnificent Wilderness” category to intimate shots of flora in “The Beauty of Plants and Fungi.” Categories such as “Nature as Art” and “Moments in Nature” allow for artistic freedom, enabling participants to highlight abstract forms, colors, and the serendipitous beauty of the natural world. The competition also appeals to younger photographers, with a dedicated Junior Award for participants under 17, fostering a passion for nature photography across generations.
Beyond recognizing artistic excellence, the competition reinforces its mission through substantial prizes and prestigious awards. Participants vie for over €28,000 in total prizes, with the All-Over Winner awarded €2,500 and each category winner receiving €500, along with a trophy and inclusion in the coveted Glanzlichter photo book. The competition’s winning images are displayed in a national touring exhibition, allowing the public to experience and appreciate the wonder of nature photography, encouraging a shared commitment to preserving the natural world.
Prize
The competition offers over €28,000 in total prizes, with €12,000 in cash awards. The All-Over Winner receives €2,500, along with a trophy and additional honors, while each category winner receives €500. Nine highlighted images per category also receive recognition and a €50 prize. Additionally, junior winners are celebrated, fostering future talent in nature photography.
Glanzlichter sets itself apart by offering a wide range of categories that encourage photographers to explore multiple facets of nature, from sweeping landscapes in the “Magnificent Wilderness” category to intimate shots of flora in “The Beauty of Plants and Fungi.” Categories such as “Nature as Art” and “Moments in Nature” allow for artistic freedom, enabling participants to highlight abstract forms, colors, and the serendipitous beauty of the natural world. The competition also appeals to younger photographers, with a dedicated Junior Award for participants under 17, fostering a passion for nature photography across generations.
Beyond recognizing artistic excellence, the competition reinforces its mission through substantial prizes and prestigious awards. Participants vie for over €28,000 in total prizes, with the All-Over Winner awarded €2,500 and each category winner receiving €500, along with a trophy and inclusion in the coveted Glanzlichter photo book. The competition’s winning images are displayed in a national touring exhibition, allowing the public to experience and appreciate the wonder of nature photography, encouraging a shared commitment to preserving the natural world.
Prize
The competition offers over €28,000 in total prizes, with €12,000 in cash awards. The All-Over Winner receives €2,500, along with a trophy and additional honors, while each category winner receives €500. Nine highlighted images per category also receive recognition and a €50 prize. Additionally, junior winners are celebrated, fostering future talent in nature photography.
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #54 / Nature
Our 54th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme: Nature. Capturing the Splendor of Landscapes, Wildlife, Flora & Fauna
© Jo Fields
Best Photography Contests in 2024
Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2024 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!
ENDS 11/30/25
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 12/01/25
The Rencontres d’Arles is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Discovery Award. Jury award of €15,000 and public award of €5,000
ENDS 12/01/25
Our Annual Photo Contest is now open for submissions, and we’re looking for the best of the best. Grand Prize: $2,500,
ENDS 12/04/25
Winners of the competition receive cash awards, certificates, a trophy (for the top award) and an invitation to the awards ceremony in London, have their work published in the competition’s portfolio book
ENDS 12/15/25
Do you believe the world could be a kinder place? It can, through your photography! The 2025 Our World Is Kind global photography contest is now accepting submissions.
ENDS 12/16/25
Be Featured in our January 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 12/17/25
Winners will be exhibited in New York during The Photography Show + Cash Prizes
ENDS 01/06/26
First place receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and inclusion in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book
ENDS 01/06/26
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/06/26
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/08/26
All Finalists: All five finalists participate in a group exhibition organized by Aperture at AIPAD in New York in April 2026.
ENDS 01/09/26
First-place winners in each category will receive $3,000, while second and third places will get $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.
ENDS 01/13/26
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 02/15/26
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 03/01/26
Full Tuition, a Leica camera system on loan for the academic year and an opportunity to present their work at the Leica Store in New York City’s Meatpacking District.
ENDS 03/02/26
The biennial Belfast Photo Festival provided the perfect platform for gaining exposure to an international audience, with previous editions having welcome over 100,000 visitors from all over the world
ENDS 03/31/26
Entries are open worldwide to photographers using an iPhone or iPad. Photos should not be published previously anywhere. The posts on personal accounts (Facebook, Instagram etc.) are eligible.
ENDS 05/17/26
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.
ENDS 07/22/26
Submit your best work to our photo competition for a chance to win up to $11,500 in cash prizes, be selected by our curators for the PX3 exhibition in Paris and inclusion in the Annual PX3 book.