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 #59 / SHAPES
$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #59 | Extensive press coverage and global recognition
© Stephen Rauch
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 06/17/26
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.
ENDS 06/23/26
Be Featured in our July 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 06/28/26
The international photography contest URBAN Photo Awards is here: registrations will open on March 28th and this 16th edition will be the largest and most important ever.
ENDS 06/30/26
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 06/30/26
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
ENDS 06/30/26
Selected photobooks will be featured in Der Greif’s Articles section, including a dedicated editorial feature highlighting the project, its context, and the maker(s).
ENDS 07/01/26
Critical Mass sparks career-changing opportunities. Ready to get your work noticed? This is the place to do it.
ENDS 07/02/26
The Emerging Photographer Grant aims to provide a $10,000 grant to visual storytellers at the beginning of their careers in order to develop impactful visual narratives.
ENDS 07/07/26
Our 59th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Shapes".
ENDS 07/08/26
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL FOTO AWARDS is an international platform for photographers from all levels and genres to share their best images with the creative community in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
ENDS 07/15/26
Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to send us your most beautiful Colors or Black & White street photos.
ENDS 07/31/26
A competition for world class commercial photographers, judged by a prestigious panel of experts from renowned advertising agencies, magazines & brands.
ENDS 08/31/26
To help photographers improve their chances, we have launched a portfolio and contest submission review service.
ENDS 09/01/26
Financial support, publication in The Guardian, loan of Canon camera equipment, a year-long mentorship, an assignment, potential conflict training, work seen by a panel of industry experts
ENDS 09/05/26
The Paris Photo–Aperture Foundation PhotoBook Awards celebrate the photobook's contribution to the evolving narrative of photography
ENDS 09/11/26
$12,000 in total grants awarded to three artists
ENDS 09/13/26
Eurazeo is launching the Eurazeo Photo Prize grant, with funding of €20,000
ENDS 09/24/26
A total of $8,000 in grants will be awarded to three outstanding artists
ENDS 10/11/26
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 11/26/26
Provides a platform for photography students worldwide - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/05/27
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/05/27
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/12/27
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!