Submissions for the Rewilding Europe Award in the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition are open until 1 March. As the deadline approaches, Berlin-based photographer Jon A. Juárez, who will serve as one of this year’s judges, shares his thoughts on how to create award-winning rewilding images.
Janina Puest
As part of the annual European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition launched in 2001 by the German Society of Nature Photography (GDT), the Rewilding Europe Award celebrates the best rewilding-related images from across Europe. The submission deadline is March 1, 2026.
This year’s Rewilding Europe Award will be judged by Viktoria Pezzei and Jon A. Juárez, a Spanish photographer and videographer based in Berlin. A biologist in theory but a photographer at heart, Jon is dedicated to bringing people closer to nature and raising awareness of climate change and social issues. A GDT member since 2015, his work has been exhibited in Germany and Spain and has received numerous accolades, including last year’s Rewilding Europe Award. We caught up with him to find out more about his work and what he believes is bringing great wildlife photography to life.
How did it feel when you won the Rewilding Europe Award last year?
Winning the Rewilding Europe Award meant a lot to me because it celebrates more than the aesthetics of an image. We also recognize the stories and influences behind them. The winning photo marked the culmination of an inspiring mission with a deeply committed team. I spent several days documenting the process of transporting sturgeon from Germany to Sweden, tagging each fish, and building cages to allow the sturgeon to acclimatize before release.
When that moment finally came, I had one goal: All the effort went into capturing an image in one frame. I slipped into the river, but realized my artificial light was useless in the murky water. Until the sun rises at the right time. As the cage opened and the first sturgeon drifted to its new home, I saw not just a picture, but promise. The idea was that when long-term commitment, passion, collaboration, and science come together, ecosystems can recover.
John A. Juarez
Can you tell us more about your close cooperation with the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research?
Our relationship with the institute goes back many years. In 2012, shortly after moving to Berlin, I discovered the work online and applied for an internship in poor German. I haven’t received a reply. But eight years later, in 2020, I joined one of their projects as a photographer. Since then, I have collaborated with research teams on assignments ranging from one day to several years, building long-term relationships that have helped me better understand the scientific context, predict key moments in the field, and dive deeper into the storytelling process.
I believed that my role as a photographer and filmmaker was simply to translate complex scientific works for a wider audience. While working in research labs, I realized that strong visuals play an important role behind the scenes, whether at conference presentations, grant applications, or policy discussions. In today’s competitive research environment, compelling images can help your project become more accessible, enhance its impact, and stand out.
John A. Juarez
How important is combining underwater, aerial, and ground imagery in your work?
It can be incredibly powerful because each perspective reveals different layers of the story. For a long time I thought my ability to move between these disciplines was a weakness. Many of my colleagues are true professionals, either accomplished underwater photographers or artists with a very unique visual style. And I sometimes felt like there was a lack of a clearly defined niche.
But I have come to think that adaptability is a strength. Our role as conservation photographers and photojournalists is to respond to the needs of the story. There are always logistical constraints. A remote location, limited transportation options, or a tight schedule may limit the equipment we can bring or the angles we can pursue. In these cases, preparation is essential to prioritize what is most important and decide where compromises are acceptable. But when time and accessibility allow, I always try to improve. Explore multiple perspectives to create more complete and engaging narratives.
What is the process for telling a powerful story about wildlife release?
As a biologist, I have always dreamed of working closely with wildlife. So documenting the release of animals into new habitats is one of the most rewarding moments I can handle as a storyteller. Whether it’s reintroducing sturgeon to European rivers or Przewalski’s return to the steppes of Kazakhstan, these events represent years, sometimes decades, of planning, research and collaboration.
To responsibly tell these stories, preparation is everything. I spend time learning from the scientists and conservationists involved, and understanding the delicate steps of transport, adaptation and release. The well-being of animals must always come first. This means anticipating sensitive moments and working without adding stress. The release itself may be the most widely posted image, but for the people behind the project, every step of the journey is just as important. And my role is to reflect the entire story, not just the final symbolic frame.
How can photography help advance rewilding?
At a time when environmental priorities often compete with political and economic pressures, many conservation initiatives struggle for visibility and long-term support. Despite the fact that dedicated people work every day to restore nature. Photos can help illuminate these hopeful stories by showing that meaningful change is achievable, and that rewilding initiatives can also create social and economic opportunities for local communities. By building participation and generating additional support, this can amplify the positive impacts of rewilding.
John A. Juarez
What are you working on now?
Since last May, I have been working part-time as a photographer and filmmaker at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife. I am currently focusing on the GAIA initiative, which is developing an advanced early warning system for environmental changes, and WildtierNah Berlin, a government-supported program that provides guidance on urban wildlife and supports the care and coordination of injured wild animals across the city.
John A. Juarez
What are you looking for in this year’s Rewilding Europe Award submissions?
Above all, I want to be surprised. I want to see new things and be inspired. It’s not necessarily about innovative technology or unusual configurations, but about work that reflects a community’s commitment to restoring nature. Rewilding is as much about people as it is about people
Much like the return of wildlife, we reconnect with the landscape and are drawn to images that capture relationships of coexistence, resilience and real-world impact. Ultimately, I look for stories that give me hope while also being grounded in the bigger picture.
I’m really looking forward to seeing this year’s entries. There is still time to enter!
