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Nature photography fans will have plenty to look forward to this October. From 23–25 October 2026, the German Society for Nature Photography (GDT) will bring the 32nd International Nature Photography Festival to Lünen, Germany.

Over three days, internationally acclaimed nature photographers will share their images, stories, and perspectives on nature, conservation, and biodiversity. This year’s program includes international lectures and hands-on seminars, taking audiences on photographic journeys from Antarctica and the depths of the oceans to Bavaria’s peatlands and the mountains of Norway.

The seminars will focus on practical topics such as camera techniques, image composition, and creative approaches to nature photography. There will also be a free supporting program featuring international exhibitions, a large photography trade fair, a live presentation stage, and the award ceremony and exhibition opening for the prestigious European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

More info: gdtfoto.de | Instagram | Facebook

#1

Penguin Love II – The Return Of The Emperors By Stefan Christmann

An emperor penguin with a chick on its feet, showcasing nature photography from the festival.

Spectacular images from Antarctica tell the remarkable story of emperor penguins surviving in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

FranSinclair
Community Member
1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does he gotta baby in there? Is that what I see?

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    #2

    Beyond The Image – A Journey From Photography To Conservation By Gerard Carbonell

    A poignant nature photography image showing a human hand gently clasping the hand of a chimpanzee, a moment from the International Nature Photography Festival.

    How photography can become a powerful force for conservation, combining compelling imagery with stories of endangered species and successful conservation initiatives.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #3

    Beyond The Image – A Journey From Photography To Conservation By Gerard Carbonell

    A man in a mask and gloves bottle-feeding a baby chimpanzee, an emotional scene of nature photography from the festival.

    How photography can become a powerful force for conservation, combining compelling imagery with stories of endangered species and successful conservation initiatives.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

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    #4

    The Rhineland – Boundless And Full Of Lifelines By Gdt Regional Group Rhineland

    A striped bee is nestled among delicate pink flowers, a detailed close-up in nature photography.

    Twenty-five photographers present the remarkable diversity of one of Germany's most varied landscapes.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    43Duckies
    Community Member
    49 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this bee sleeping in a flower covered by morning dew, or is it being eaten by some type of Sundew plant? I ask because I associate those teeny tiny droplets on the tips of the petals with the sticky fluid that Sundews use to trap their prey.

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    #5

    Socotra, Island Of Dragons By Henley Spiers

    Two stunning cuttlefish on a coral reef, an exquisite capture from the Nature Photography Festival.

    A photographic expedition to one of the world's most extraordinary islands and its unique marine ecosystems.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

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    #6

    The Rhineland – Boundless And Full Of Lifelines By Gdt Regional Group Rhineland

    A small owl perches on a tree trunk, gazing forward, showcasing an intimate moment of nature photography.

    Twenty-five photographers present the remarkable diversity of one of Germany's most varied landscapes.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #7

    A Playground Of The Tides, The Wadden Sea World Heritage Site By Martin Stock

    A stunning abstract nature photo of a shell on a dark, textured surface, showcased at the Nature Photography Festival.

    A photographic portrait of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea and its everchanging landscapes.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

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    #8

    A Playground Of The Tides, The Wadden Sea World Heritage Site By Martin Stock

    An aerial photo of stunning underwater sand dunes, reflecting light in a captivating way, a highlight from the Nature Photography Festival.

    A photographic portrait of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea and its everchanging landscapes.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #9

    When Nature Photography Is No Longer Enough By Vegard Aasen

    A dramatic snowy mountain peak with a glowing light trail ascending, a stunning image from the Nature Photography Festival.

    How powerful visual storytelling can inspire people to take action for nature conservation.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

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    #10

    Next Door – Running Away, Coming Home And Photographing The Landscape On Your Doorstep By Felix Wesch

    A serene forest scene with slender trees and golden ferns, showcasing a stunning nature photography moment.

    An inspiring story about discovering extraordinary nature photography close to home.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #11

    Next Door – Running Away, Coming Home And Photographing The Landscape On Your Doorstep By Felix Wesch

    Two elegant white swans on a snowy, minimalist landscape, highlighting the beauty of nature photography.

    An inspiring story about discovering extraordinary nature photography close to home.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

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    #12

    Stories Of The Forest Keepers By Michiel Van Noppen

    Two naturalists collecting moths for a nature photography festival, illuminated by bright lights in a tent.

    A behind-the-scenes look at long-term conservation projects, revealing how photography, science and environmental protection work hand in hand.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #13

    Socotra, Island Of Dragons By Henley Spiers

    An underwater photo showing a diver among a school of fish and seals, a stunning moment from the Nature Photography Festival.

    A photographic expedition to one of the world's most extraordinary islands and its unique marine ecosystems.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #14

    When Nature Photography Is No Longer Enough By Vegard Aasen

    A stunning black and white photo of an orca swimming in the ocean, captured at the Nature Photography Festival.

    How powerful visual storytelling can inspire people to take action for nature conservation.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

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    #15

    Five Years With The Bears Of Trentino By Horst Eberhöfer

    A brown bear walking through a lush green mountain landscape, a stunning photo from the nature photography festival.

    An inspiring account of one photographer's years-long search for the elusive brown bears of the Brenta Mountains.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #16

    Fjell – Light On The Nordic Mountains By Orsolya Haarberg

    An abstract aerial view of winding rivers through colorful, textured terrain, featured in the Nature Photography Festival.

    A visual tribute to Norway's mountains, capturing extraordinary light, weather and atmosphere.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #17

    Penguin Love II – The Return Of The Emperors By Stefan Christmann

    Emperor penguins stand on a snowy expanse under a vibrant aurora borealis, a stunning capture of nature photography.

    Spectacular images from Antarctica tell the remarkable story of emperor penguins surviving in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #18

    Stories Of The Forest Keepers By Michiel Van Noppen

    A collage of diverse insects including moths and beetles, showcasing the intricate details celebrated in nature photography.

    A behind-the-scenes look at long-term conservation projects, revealing how photography, science and environmental protection work hand in hand.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #19

    Bavaria's Wild Peatlands By Niklas Banowski & Christopher Meyer

    An aerial view capturing stunning nature photography of a river flowing through a golden marsh into a vibrant turquoise lake.

    A photographic journey into Bavaria's remarkable peatlands, exploring their biodiversity, their importance for climate protection and the people dedicated to preserving them.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #20

    Fjell – Light On The Nordic Mountains By Orsolya Haarberg

    A breathtaking aerial view of misty mountains and a calm lake, captured at the International Nature Photography Festival.

    A visual tribute to Norway's mountains, capturing extraordinary light, weather and atmosphere.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #21

    In Search Of Satyrus By Rena Effendi

    A smiling woman holding a butterfly net on a mountain with a vast landscape, capturing the essence of nature photography.

    An extraordinary journey through family history, war and conservation in search of a rare butterfly in the Caucasus.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #22

    Five Years With The Bears Of Trentino By Horst Eberhöfer

    A breathtaking aerial view of mountainsides in autumn colors overlooking a serene lake, a stunning nature photography.

    An inspiring account of one photographer's years-long search for the elusive brown bears of the Brenta Mountains.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #23

    Balance – A Life Of Light, Shadow And Photography By Ingebjørg Fyrileiv Guldvik

    Blurred motion photo of a gentle wave in blue-green water, a stunning photo from the nature photography festival.

    A deeply personal photographic journey exploring the emotional power of light, landscape and nature photography.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    #24

    Balance – A Life Of Light, Shadow And Photography By Ingebjørg Fyrileiv Guldvik

    Abstract image of blue and brown ice cracks and patterns, captured at a nature photography festival.

    A deeply personal photographic journey exploring the emotional power of light, landscape and nature photography.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    Francois
    Community Member
    42 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not a single idea what I am looking at.

    #25

    Bavaria's Wild Peatlands By Niklas Banowski & Christopher Meyer

    A serene nature photography scene with water lilies on a misty lake, mountains in the background, from the International Nature Photography Festival.

    A photographic journey into Bavaria's remarkable peatlands, exploring their biodiversity, their importance for climate protection and the people dedicated to preserving them.

    GDT International Nature Photography Festival Report

    More from this series:
    Previous · Part 7 20 Breathtaking Nature Photos That Won The GDT 2026 Competition Previous
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    1The Winning Photos From The GDT Nature Photographer Of The Year 2020 Have Been Announced And They're Beautiful 230 Stunning And Emotional Photos That Won The European Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2020 3The German Society For Nature Photography Has Chosen The Best Wildlife Photographs In Europe (30 Pics) 4GDT 2024 Photography Winners Unveil Nature’s Beauty (21 Pics) 520 Wildlife Photos From The Finalists Of The 2024 European Photography Contest 6Nature’s Masterpieces: The GDT Photography Competition 2024 Revealed The Winners (20 Pics) 720 Breathtaking Nature Photos That Won The GDT 2026 Competition
    8 You’re here25 Captivating Photos That Might Make You See The Natural World Differently, Shared By GDT