Jens Cullmann, left, Pretti John, right, GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 Luca Lorenz has won the GDT (German Society for Nature Photography) Nature Photographer of the Year 2026 in its annual members’ competition for his painterly photo of a mountain hare. While trudging through the snow with two friends, he spotted the hare about 30 meters (100 feet) below him, standing at the entrance to a small rock cave — almost motionless, barely visible in its white winter coat, and gazing into the distance. “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. Winner of the Mammals category and overall winner. | GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2026, Luca Lorenz. Using a long exposure and intentional camera movements, he tried to capture how the animal blended into its surroundings—and to preserve its nearly invisible presence despite being so close.…