Maternal stink bug beats 18,000 photos to claim the 2023 GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year award

GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023
Maternal Care - Overall winner [Sony A7R IV, Laowa 2.8/25mm, flash with diffuser, ISO 320] (Image credit: Javiar Aznar Gonzalez De Reuda)

The European Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the German Society for Nature Photography (GDT), illuminates the beauty and wonder of the natural world through the lens of passionate photographers. Renowned worldwide for its celebration of nature photography this year an impressive 18,000 photographs from 42 countries were entered. 

Spanish Photographer Javier Aznar González de Rueda was crowned European Nature Photographer of the Year 2023 for his image Maternal Care capturing the intricate behavior of a brood stink bug in Ecuador's Yasuní National Park. For two weeks, Javiar carefully observed a female stink bug guarding her eggs and newly hatched larvae revealing its remarkable maternal instincts. 

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Hannah Rooke
Freelance contributor

Having studied Journalism and Public Relations at the University of the West of England Hannah developed a love for photography through a module on photojournalism. She specializes in Portrait, Fashion and lifestyle photography but has more recently branched out in the world of stylized product photography. Hannah spent three years working at Wex Photo Video as a Senior Sales Assistant, using her experience and knowledge of cameras to help people buy the equipment that is right for them. With eight years experience working with studio lighting, Hannah has run many successful workshops teaching people how to use different lighting setups.