Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
EuroNatur has launched the 33rd edition of its European nature photography competition, inviting amateur and professional photographers to showcase Europe’s flora, fauna, and landscapes. The competition offers cash prizes up to EUR 1,500, vouchers, and publication opportunities, and is open free of charge to photographers residing in Europe.
Overview
For the 33rd time, EuroNatur, together with its competition partners, invites photographers to capture the richness of Europe’s natural heritage. The competition focuses on striking photographic representations of European flora, fauna, and natural landscapes. Both amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to participate, with the aim of promoting nature conservation through powerful visual storytelling.
Purpose and Focus of the Competition
The competition seeks authentic images that reflect the beauty and diversity of Europe’s natural environment. Eligible photographs must be taken in Europe and must depict genuine, unaltered scenes of nature. Through this initiative, EuroNatur highlights conservation values while offering photographers international visibility through exhibitions, calendars, and magazine publications.
Prize Categories and Awards
Selected entries will receive financial awards and non-cash benefits based on evaluation by an expert jury. The first prize is awarded EUR 1,500, the second prize EUR 1,000, the third prize EUR 750, the fourth prize EUR 500, and the fifth prize EUR 250. Entries placed from sixth to twelfth position, as well as the Jury Prize winner, will receive a EUR 25 voucher redeemable against products from EuroNatur Service GmbH. All prize recipients will also receive a complimentary copy of the EuroNatur 2027 European Treasures of Nature wall calendar. All awards are non-convertible into cash, and the organisers’ decisions are final.
Who Is Eligible to Participate?
The competition is open to all photographers whose main residence is in Europe. Participation is free of charge, as all organisational costs are covered by the organisers. Both amateur and professional photographers are welcome to apply, provided they meet the submission and content requirements.
Photo Submission Rules and Technical Requirements
Each participant may submit up to five photographs. Submissions may be digital colour images or non-glass slides, provided they meet the required technical and quality standards. Only photographs taken in Europe are eligible. Images must represent authentic records of nature and must not be staged or manipulated in a way that alters reality.
Digital Processing and Content Restrictions
Strict guidelines apply to digital image processing. Only standard adjustments such as minor exposure, contrast, or colour corrections are permitted, provided they do not change the subject or natural reality of the scene. The following are not permitted: extensive digital manipulation or compositing, HDR techniques, stitched panoramas, photographs of pets or farm animals, cultivated plant varieties, and images taken outside Europe. Submissions that violate these rules will be disqualified.
Copyright and Usage Rights
Photographers retain full copyright ownership of their submitted images. By entering the competition, participants grant the organisers defined rights to use prize-winning photographs for calendars, exhibitions, reporting, and promotional purposes related to the competition and EuroNatur’s nature conservation activities. Personal data submitted will be used exclusively for administering the competition and handled in accordance with applicable data protection regulations.
Jury and Selection Process
An expert jury evaluates all eligible submissions. The jury includes representatives from EuroNatur, the magazine “natur”, GELSENWASSER AG, and the photo shop LichtBlick in Constance. The jury selects the most outstanding photographs based on artistic quality, authenticity, and relevance to European nature conservation.
Publication and Visibility Opportunities
Winning and selected photographs will be featured in the EuroNatur 2027 European Treasures of Nature wall calendar. Selected images may also be published in EuroNatur and “natur” magazines and displayed on the organisers’ official websites, offering photographers broad exposure within conservation and photography communities.
Why This Competition Matters
The EuroNatur Photo Competition plays a key role in raising awareness about Europe’s natural heritage and conservation challenges. By combining artistic excellence with environmental advocacy, the competition supports nature protection efforts while providing photographers with recognition, prizes, and publication opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting photographs taken outside Europe. Exceeding the maximum of five images per participant. Applying excessive digital manipulation or HDR processing. Submitting images of pets, farm animals, or cultivated plants. Ignoring technical submission requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can enter the EuroNatur photo competition?
Any photographer whose main residence is in Europe may participate, regardless of professional status.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Participation is free of charge.
How many photos can I submit?
Each participant may submit up to five photographs.
Are digitally edited photos allowed?
Only minimal standard adjustments are allowed. Extensive manipulation or compositing is prohibited.
What prizes are awarded?
Cash prizes range from EUR 250 to EUR 1,500, along with vouchers and a complimentary calendar.
Who selects the winners?
An expert jury representing EuroNatur and its partners evaluates all eligible entries.
Conclusion
The 33rd EuroNatur European Nature Photography Competition offers photographers a unique opportunity to showcase Europe’s natural beauty while supporting conservation efforts. With attractive prizes, international exposure, and a strong focus on authenticity, the competition continues to celebrate and protect Europe’s diverse natural landscapes and wildlife through photography.
For more information, visit EuroNatur Foundation.
