The photo competition “Animals in front of the camera” runs until the end of November
Whether a spectacular animal photograph or a successful snapshot: The Hessian State Museum Darmstadt (HLMD) is once again searching for the best wildlife photos. Amateur and professional photographers have been able to submit their photos for the "Animals in Front of the Camera" photo competition since August 10, 2026. The deadline for submissions is November 30.
The State Museum is organizing the competition for the second time in cooperation with the Friends of the State Museum Darmstadt. The occasion is the exhibition "Wildlife Photographer of the Year", which will be on display again in Darmstadt from December.
It doesn't matter for participation whether the submitted image was a spontaneous snapshot or elaborately planned. We are looking for special photographic encounters with animals in nature.
Only one photo may be submitted per person. Participation is online via the website of the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt.
Jury and online voting decide
After the submission deadline, the winning images will be determined through a combination of jury decision and anonymous online voting. Prizes in various categories await the winners.
With this competition, the State Museum aims to encourage people to perceive nature with open eyes and to capture special animal moments photographically.
"Wildlife Photographer of the Year" is coming to Darmstadt
The exhibition "Wildlife Photographer of the Year," opening in December, provides the appropriate professional benchmark. The international competition of the same name is held annually by the Natural History Museum in London and is one of the most prestigious competitions for nature and wildlife photography worldwide. Its history dates back to 1965.
The award-winning photographs then embark on an international tour. According to the State Museum, more than two million people see the exhibition each year in museums in Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
From December 3, 2026 to April 4, 2027, the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt will present more than 80 of the best nature and animal photographs of the year 2026.
The images offer extraordinary insights into the lives and natural habitats of animals. At the same time, the exhibition addresses topics such as biodiversity, sustainability, and wildlife conservation.
Another aim of the international competition is to promote wildlife photography as an artistic medium and to open up opportunities for young photographers. Since the submitted works are judged anonymously, up-and-coming and amateur photographers compete under the same conditions as established professionals.
Photo competition “Animals in front of the camera”
Submission period: August 10 to November 30, 2026.
Participation: One photo per person.
Organizers: Hessian State Museum Darmstadt and the Friends of the State Museum Darmstadt Association.
Participation and information: www.hlmd.de/de/fotowettbewerb
Exhibition “Wildlife Photographer of the Year”: December 3, 2026 to April 4, 2027 at the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt
(Featured image: HLMD)
