Nature’s Masterpieces: The GDT Photography Competition 2024 Revealed The Winners (20 Pics)

We had the pleasure of speaking with Radomir Jakubowski, an acclaimed German nature photographer and the winner of the main prize in the Mammals category. His award-winning image, titled 'Chamois,' is a stunning and ethereal portrayal of wildlife—powerful in both its composition and emotion.

We were eager to learn more about the story behind the shot. Here’s what Radomir shared with us about the moment he captured this unforgettable image: “I’ve been working on my long-term chamois project in the Vosges Mountains in France for over 15 years now. Over time, this area has become a well-known hotspot among wildlife photographers. On the morning I captured the winning image, everything came together perfectly. There were magical weather changes—from sunlight to mist and then back to sunlight again. The mountain grass was covered in dew, creating a beautiful, glistening effect. I took the photo directly from the path, using the late-summer grass in the foreground to create a dreamy, soft-focus aesthetic that gives the image its ethereal feel.”

When asked about the role of patience in his work, the photographer began by saying, “It’s not just important—it’s the rule rather than the exception.” He went on to explain: “I spend a lot of time in nature, and it’s quite common to wait for hours and come home without a single strong image. But that’s part of the experience. Even without a great photo, time in nature is always rewarding—it’s a place to slow down and reconnect. Nature photography is one of the rare pursuits that encourages deep, joyful engagement with the natural world.”

We were also curious about how spending so much time in nature might have shaped Radomir’s relationship with the natural world. However, he offered a thoughtful perspective, saying: “For most nature photographers, it’s actually the other way around—we fall in love with nature first, and photography follows.” He elaborated further: The camera simply deepens our connection. It teaches us to look more closely, to notice details, light, and behavior. It’s a very special kind of mindfulness training. Anyone who pursues nature photography with heart and soul has already loved the natural world long before picking up a camera.”

To close, Jakubowski graciously offered a piece of advice for aspiring nature photographers—encouraging those who aim to create work that is not only visually striking, but also deeply emotional and meaningful: “Photograph what catches your eye—what feels special to you in that moment. Ask yourself, “what’s unique about today?” Every day brings different light, weather, and moods—and with that, different photographic opportunities. Try to capture the uniqueness of the day and combine it with special moments and your personal perception of light. That’s how a distinct visual style is born.”

If you’d like to explore more breathtaking images from this talented German photographer, we invite you to visit his Instagram and website.