15 Mesmerizing Winners From the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2026

Luca Lorenz has gained the GDT (German Society for Nature Photography) Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 in its annual members’ competitors for his painterly picture of a mountain hare.

While trudging by way of the snow with two buddies, he noticed the hare about 30 meters (100 toes) under him, standing on the entrance to a small rock cave — nearly immobile, barely seen in its white winter coat, and gazing into the gap.

“For a long time, I observed the hare as it sat practically motionless, perfectly camouflaged with its white winter coat, gazing out across the distant Alpine peaks,” says Lorenz.

Using a protracted publicity and intentional digicam actions, he tried to seize how the animal blended into its environment—and to protect its practically invisible presence regardless of being so shut.

But the picture additionally carries a critical message: the Alpine mountain hare is threatened by local weather change. Its fur modifications seasonally from brown to white — good camouflage. Yet more and more, the snow fails to reach whereas the animals are already carrying their white winter coats. As shiny patches in opposition to the brown floor, they turn out to be straightforward prey for golden eagles and foxes — a phenomenon specialists consult with as “color mismatch.”

“It means a great deal to me that an image of such an unassuming species can draw so much attention”, says Lorenz. “Alpine hares are deeply important to me and, in light of the significant challenges facing the species, raising awareness and supporting research into these extraordinary animals is more important than ever.”

Lorenz beat out competitors from 546 GDT members from 15 completely different nations. In whole, practically 9,000 photographs have been submitted.