Magical Nordic bird photos win a 23-year-old photographer a major prize for the second year in a row
Images of birds magically enveloped in fog and atmospheric light win top wildlife photography competition – and the young photographer also took the title last year
Norwegian photographer Tobias Gjerde has won the Fritz Pölking Junior Prize for the second consecutive year with a collection of striking images titled The magic of the Nordic wilderness. The photos captivate viewers by skillfully employing fog, light, and minimalist compositions to showcase Nordic birds in their native habitat.
Last year, Gjerde took home the award with powerful portraits of resilient Norwegian wildlife enduring harsh conditions. This year, he focuses on quiet moments of birds in barren tundra and early morning or late evening forests, emphasizing the relationship between the animals and their surroundings to evoke curiosity and tranquility in the viewer.
Gjerde, a member of the Norske Naturfotografer/NN association and a former combat photographer for the Norwegian Army's Arctic Ranger Battalion, stands out for his exceptional ability to create coherence in his work through consistent style, subject matter, and masterful manipulation of light and space. The jury praised his technical prowess, keen eye for composition, and exhaustive field observations, which collectively transform each image into a unified body of work that encourages viewers to contemplate what lies beyond the visible.
Gjerde's successful portfolio will be celebrated at the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 competition's official award ceremony on October 23, 2026, during the International Nature Photography Festival.
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