Nearly 5,000 submissions from around the world, including entries from as far as India, made this year's WunderWelten Photography Competition a remarkable highlight. Multiple photographers from the Lake Constance region were recognized with awards across various categories.
In the "Wonders of Nature" category, Judith Kuhn from Immenstaad impressed the jury with her photograph titled "Natural Wonder Basalt Columns," securing first place. The experienced landscape photographer, who won the competition for the second time, captivated judges with her impressive lighting atmosphere and clear image composition. Another award in this category went to Christian Möhrle from Salem for his atmospheric aurora motif titled "Aurora."
The "Colors of Life" category was won by Willem Kuijpers from Holland with his entry "Día de Muertos," a colorful tribute to the Mexican Day of the Dead. Directly behind him in second place was Silke Gerlach from Immenstaad. Her work "Underground," photographed in the brightly illuminated underpass of Friedrichshafen, brings color to the gray season. Additionally, Wiebke Breil and Brigitta Kernné Riebel, both from Kressbronn, received awards in the same category for their creative and emotional works "In the Light of the Last Sunrays" and "Children's Painting."
In the "Encounters" category, Marion Birchinger from Tegernheim won with her touching motif "Être ensemble." Two additional awards went to Eberhard Schall from Uhldingen-Mühlhofen for "Together Fire and Flame" – an aerial photograph of the traditional bonfire by the lake – and to Walter Hauser from Meckenbeuren for "Woodstockenweiler."
"The strong response and the many outstanding submissions from the region particularly please us," said Immanuel Schulz, festival director and jury member. "Nearly 5,000 photos from around the world show how much photography connects people and how much creative energy exists at Lake Constance."
The award ceremony will take place on November 8 at 1:45 PM as part of the 20th WunderWelten Festival at the Graf Zeppelin House in Friedrichshafen. From November 7 to 9, the venue will transform into a center for photography, travel, and adventure. Visitors can expect an exhibition of the 30 award-winning works, exciting live reports, a free photography fair, as well as inspiring photography courses and exhibitions. More information is available at www.WunderWelten.org.
