Imre Potyó Named European Wildlife Photographer of 2026
The photographer earned the top honor for his image capturing the subterranean life of bats in Hungary.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Photography
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In 2026, the German Society for Nature Photography awarded Imre Potyó the title of European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. His winning image, titled Hidden Worlds, documents hibernating bats within mine tunnels located in the Börzsöny Mountains.
Why it matters
The award recognizes exceptional work in documenting rare animal behaviors in sensitive environments. By capturing the lesser horseshoe bat during its winter hibernation, the photograph highlights the complexity of subterranean ecosystems.
The winning shot utilized a 41-second exposure at f/25 and ISO 320 to balance depth and lighting. This complex composition was achieved using a Nikon D7200 paired with a Tamron AF 60mm f/2 Di II Macro lens.
The players
Imre Potyó
An accomplished wildlife photographer known for his specialized work documenting nature in subterranean environments.
German Society for Nature Photography
A prominent organization dedicated to promoting nature photography and environmental awareness through its annual competition.
The details
The photograph depicts the intricate intersection of biology and geology by showing mould growing on guano alongside hibernating bats. The image was captured during a controlled bat count, a process the photographer has been documenting for over a decade.
Timeline
The award was presented in 2026.
Culture Shift
This award underscores a broader shift in nature photography toward documenting overlooked, subterranean environments rather than traditional charismatic megafauna. It reflects a growing appreciation for the patience required to capture complex, non-human habitats.
For photography enthusiasts, this winning image serves as a masterclass in long-exposure techniques and controlled focus in difficult lighting. It encourages hobbyists to look closer at their immediate local surroundings to find hidden natural patterns.
The takeaway
Wildlife photography often rewards those who commit years to studying a single, remote location. Aspiring photographers can implement these lessons by mastering long-exposure techniques to capture detail in challenging, low-light conditions.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving world of Photography and the artists documenting our natural environment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Digital Camera World.
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