Dive into the world of nature photography - Glanzlichter 2025!
This beautifully crafted volume brings together the most stunning images from the renowned competition that inspires photographers from around the globe to capture the diversity and magic of nature in all its facets.
All Over Winner | Pål Hermannsen | Norway
The All Over Winner is supported by:
The Origin Story
In late May 2024, Pål captured this somewhat grotesque yet oddly charming scene. During an expedition in northwestern Svalbard, the crew of the expedition vessel spotted a polar bear on the ice near a remote island. The ship remained at a safe distance of about 300 meters, observing the situation under the glow of the midnight sun. The expedition leader, who was the first to assess the scene with his drone, reported a breathtaking sight: a bear feasting on a walrus – a rare and dramatic occurrence.
Walruses are almost impossible prey for polar bears to subdue. This particular walrus may have been weakened or ill. As sea ice continues to retreat in the summer months, polar bears find it increasingly difficult to hunt seals. A walrus meal in the spring is therefore a remarkable stroke of luck.
Pål hovered with his drone for a while above the contented, sleepy bear, who seemed entirely unbothered. Eventually, the bear stirred, scratched himself in satisfaction, and rolled onto his back. It was a singular moment, capturing the fragile beauty of the Arctic in all its splendor – and also the last time drones were permitted to fly in these protected areas, as new regulations have prohibited their use since January 1, 2025.
Biography
Pål Hermansen (b. 1955) is a photographer working at the intersection of nature and art. He studied at the Robert Meyer College of Art in Oslo and also holds degrees in dentistry and homeopathy. His work centers on the interaction between humans and nature, existential landscapes, and imaginative wildlife photography.
Pål Hermansen has authored and/or illustrated 40 books and is recognized as one of the top ten photographers worldwide featured in the international portfolio book Masters of Nature Photography (BBC/Natural History Museum, London 2013). His images have appeared in renowned publications such as National Geographic Magazine, ORION, GEO, and BBC Wildlife Magazine.
He has received numerous awards in prestigious competitions, including World Press Photo, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Glanzlichter der Naturfotografie, Big Picture, and European Nature Photographer of the Year.
His work has been exhibited around the world. Hermansen is a member of the Norwegian Photographers’ Association (FFF), an honorary member of the Norwegian Nature Photographers (NN), and is featured in the group 100 Norwegian Photographers (100norwegianphotographers.no). He is also part of the art collective HAM, alongside Mats Andersson and Erik Malm.
Jury’s Comment
The Hoetger Hof in Worpswede, a historic artist village in northern Germany near Bremen, became the center of intense jury deliberations during a weekend in January 2025. Once the second home of the artist Bernhard Hoetger, this rustic house—nestled in a region long renowned for its artistic legacy and evocative moorland landscapes—offered a distinctive setting that perfectly complemented the creative nature of the task at hand.
Following an initial individual preselection conducted by the jurors remotely, the most critical phase now lay ahead: from the remaining 1,733 photographs, the final selection had to be made, and this year’s winning images determined—a demanding process requiring full focus.
For three full days, the jury immersed themselves in a world of quiet contemplation, spirited debate, contrasting viewpoints, and shared laughter. Cases were made, images fiercely defended, perspectives challenged, and occasionally transformed through the enthusiasm and insight of fellow jurors.
Despite a tightly scheduled agenda—which, truth be told, was not always strictly adhered to—the mood remained both productive and warm. On Saturday evening, when Lisa brought snacks and wine for Christine, Kevin, and Florian, the group continued working late into the night—a clear sign of the passion each juror brought to their role. Exhausting? Certainly. But also enriching, joyful, and inspiring.
In the end, the jury arrived at a set of decisions they could all stand behind with conviction. The winning images reflect the vast diversity of photography today—and the boundless beauty and variety of our planet.
The Jury 2025
Kevin Winterhoff
Kevin pressed a camera shutter for the first time at the age of four. From an early age, nature was his main subject—though travel reportage has since become part of his repertoire. His love of nature photography has taken him to many countries, yet he still photographs most frequently in the Sauerland region of Germany. A photo essay on fawns eventually led him to found Kitzretter e.V., an organization that rescues fawns in spring using thermal imaging drones.
Christine Averberg
Christine is dedicated to artistic and creative nature photography. For her, it is essential not merely to create faithful representations, but to infuse each image with a personal touch. She is the author of two workshop books and gained jury experience during the GNJ 2023 competition. Together with her partner Daniel Böttcher, she regularly leads photography workshops as part of their joint project naturbelichtet ("nature exposed").
Florian Smit
In 2011, Florian left school before completing his final exams to fully devote himself to photography. After training as a professional photographer, he launched his freelance career as a nature photographer in the autumn of 2015. Today, he is regarded as one of the most renowned nature photographers, having received numerous awards in international competitions. Florian also conducts workshops, writes for magazines, and shares stories of his travels through live presentations.