Composition of the 2024 jury
Maxime Aliaga
President of the jury - French nature photographer
After obtaining his degree in biodiversity management, Maxime Aliaga worked for several years as a technician in the field. He was thus able to add to his impressive portfolio of photographs. He is now a full-time nature photographer and documents the work of non-governmental organizations specializing in environmental preservation.
Maxime Aliaga's photographs celebrate the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the natural world, but also highlight the importance of preservation work. According to him, photography is a way to talk about the fragility of nature and the need to act to preserve it. Maxime has worked in countries such as Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea and the Seychelles. He photographed a wide diversity of species there, from insects to primates. In 2019, his work was recognized by the International League of Conservation Photographers who named him an associate fellow.
Since 2015, Maxime has worked regularly in Indonesia with the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP). He took the first photos of a new species of orangutan discovered in 2017, the Tapanuli orangutan. His images were used to introduce this new species to the world.
Karen Korte
Managing Director of GDT - German Society For Nature Photography
In most European countries there is a nature and wildlife photography association. In Germany, the GDT (Gesellschaft Deutscher Tierfotografen) has existed since 1971 and has become one of the most important nature photography associations in the world. the GDT organizes the annual “European Wildlife Photographer of the Year” competition, open to all. The competition makes a point of showcasing the excellent quality and specific style of European wildlife photographers through exceptional photographs from Europe and around the world while promoting conservation through photographic art.
Martin Steenhaut
Belgian nature photographer
Martin Steenhaut is a passionate nature photographer who tries to capture the beauty and vulnerability of our nature with strong moments and unique views. An all round photographer who emphasizes on birds, mammals and landscapes, always with the utmost respect for his subject. A photo is not a trophy that you can make at all costs. With the ever growing popularity of nature photography, there is unwanted pressure on nature. Therefore, respecting your subject and avoiding disturbance is a golden rule. And that idea is also reflected in every image of Martin. With regular exhibitions, lectures and publications he tries to share his passion with the general public.
His work has already been awarded several times in important international photo competitions. With as highlights a worldwide 2nd place in The World Photographic Cup in the USA, in fact the Olympic Games of the professional photographers. He also won the 1st prize in Landscapes at the famous Montier-en-Der photo festival in France. Recently he was awarded the high European QEP label, as Qualified European Wildlife Photographer. Sharing his moments and also amazement, and make people aware remains his motive.
Marc Weber
French nature photographer
Marc Weber has distinguished himself in the biggest nature photo competitions, reaching the podiums and sometimes even taking first place in the most prestigious. We will mention the GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the Golden Turtle, Montier-en-Der, or the Bird Photographer of the Year and the Emotion'Ailes competition on several occasions.
It was at the age of 12 that Marc Weber received his first camera, and since that day photography has always been very present in his life.
With the advent of digital technology and its democratization he was able to combine this passion with another area that is particularly close to his heart: nature.
Marc Weber has a preference for observing and photographing birds but everything related to nature interests and amazes him. Photography has opened his eyes to everything around him and with each outing he learns something new. He also really likes looking at the images of photographers, whether professional or amateur like him. It’s always a real enchantment and a real source of inspiration.
Sébastien Krickx
Belgian nature photographer
Sébastien has been attracted to nature since his early childhood. This passion was born from a particular attraction to ornithology.
Since then, this affection has never left him. Sébastien can no longer count the entire days spent wandering between sky and sea, in the woods, meadows, dunes or even across wastelands to soak up the colors and sounds of nature. In a sometimes different style, a particular graphic design or assertive framing, it conveys to us the desire to show the beauty and richness of this nature to raise awareness of its protection.
For many years, Sébastien has been part of the organizing team of the “Aves Nature Photo Expos”, a festival which will have celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023.
More than 10,000€ in prizes for our winners of the Emotion’Ailes contest!
Observe Nature supports the Expos Photos Aves by donating part of the competition prizes of optical equipment oriented towards animal and nature observation.
Les Combres supports Expos Photos Aves by offering a stay at the gite. A haven of peace preserved in Malbosc, isolated in the middle of nature with a breathtaking view. This old magnanerie (silkworm breeding) is built on the rock in an exceptional natural setting.
Vouchers for photo equipment will be offered to our partners for several thousand euros.
Terre sauvage invites you to travel to distant and unspoiled regions or to places closer to discover a natural environment. Terre Sauvage magazine offers a one-year subscription to several winners.
For Aves, Carrycam produced a special series featuring the famous festival bird. Beautiful photo hikes to all!