IGPOTY Photo Contest

Hanover Photographer Lars Gerhardts Wins International Award

Gerhards won the international garden photography contest with a photo taken at the Georgengarten. Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH congratulates its employee on this achievement!

Lars Gerhardt stands next to his winning photo at the IGPOTY (International Garden Photographer of the Year).

In the new category “The Beauty of Herrenhausen Gardens,” professional and amateur photographers had until the end of October to submit their photos. Over 400 photos featuring scenes from the Herrenhausen Gardens were uploaded to the IGPOTY (International Garden Photographer of the Year) website—and the winning photo was taken by Lars Gerhardts.

He won over the international jury with a photograph taken in the Georgengarten. It shows the Augustenbrücke on a cold and foggy November morning. "Lars demonstrated great patience and skill in this sun-drenched scene. There are many elements that capture the viewer’s interest, but ultimately the eye is skillfully drawn to the human silhouette on the bridge. The sunlight was used to intensify the image’s colors without being distracting,” explained head judge Tyrone McGlinchey at the awards ceremony on February 7 at Kew Gardens.

In Lars Gerhardt's photograph, the Augustenbrücke in the Georgengarten is bathed in the morning light of November. — Lars Gerhardts entered the "International Garden Photographer of the Year" competition with his photograph "Morgenglanz" (Morning Glory).

The HMTG, together with Lars Gerhardts, is delighted about this international success and the recognition his work has received. For over ten years, the HMTG has been showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of the Hanover region through his expressive images, particularly those of the Herrenhausen Gardens. National and international advertising campaigns, image brochures in nine languages, appearances at international trade shows, numerous brochures and flyers, as well as many of the images on the website www.visit-hannover.com, were captured through his lens.

Hans Nolte, Managing Director of HMTG, wholeheartedly agrees with the jury’s decision: “Mr. Gerhardt’s photos and imagery have always impressed us. I am delighted that we now officially have one of the world’s best garden and nature photographers on our team.”

Lars Gerhardts entered the "International Garden Photographer of the Year" competition with his photograph "Morgenglanz" (Morning Glory).

The Great Garden is covered in a fresh blanket of snow.

The Great Garden is just as enchanting when it's blanketed in snow.

The sun is setting and autumn leaves are falling in the Great Garden.

Sunset and autumn leaves in the Great Garden.

Herrenhausen Palace illuminated during the "Hannover leuchtet" light art festival.

View over Hanover's old town

A photo from the international fireworks competition.

The world's most renowned pyrotechnicians will compete against each other on five summer evenings in Hanover.

The Leine Lock in the evening. The New City Hall can be seen in the background.

The Leine Lock, the Leine River, and the New City Hall at night.

Lake Masch is one of the city's most popular destinations for day trips and local recreation.

The New City Hall is one of the city's most popular photo spots and its landmark.

The "Roter Faden," the guide to Hanover's sights, takes you past the popular Nanas.

Marienburg Castle as seen from a bird's-eye view.

At Marienburg Castle, you can follow in the footsteps of the Guelphs.

Lower Saxony's largest lake attracts vacationers, cyclists, and water sports enthusiasts alike.

The Christmas market lights up Hanover's Old Town.

The Christmas market in Hanover's Old Town is especially popular in winter.

The start of autumn in Georgengarten, with a view of the lake at the Leibniz Temple.

The Start of Fall by the Lake at the Leibniz Temple

Walk through the fall foliage of the avenue in the Georgengarten.

The sun casts a small rainbow into the fountain in the Großer Garten. Herrenhausen Palace can be seen in the background.

A small rainbow in the fountain in front of Herrenhausen Palace.

In the spring, the bluebells cover large parts of the Georgensgarten.

Fountains and the Grand Fountain in the Herrenhausen Gardens.

The Great Fountain is one of the main attractions of the Herrenhausen Gardens and, when there is no wind, can shoot a jet of water 72 meters high.

The exhibition in November

Starting in November, the Herrenhäuser Gardens will showcase the winning photos from the latest IGPOTY competition, “Competition 13,” in an open-air exhibition in the Berggarten. The best photos from last year’s competition, “Competition 12,” are currently on display there through April 30.

The winning photos from all nine main categories will be published in the IGPOTY photo book, which is distributed worldwide. It can be purchased directly at www.igpoty.com. Starting in November, the exhibition catalog will also be available at the Herrenhäuser Gärten.

About IGPOTY (International Garden Photographer of the Year):
Since 2007, the world’s best garden photographs have been honored at Kew Gardens in the UK. The organizers have received over 20,000 entries from around 50 countries. The jury includes renowned garden photographers, gardening experts, and representatives from Kew Gardens, the media, the National Trust, and the Royal Photographic Society. The photos are then exhibited at Kew Gardens and subsequently in many other English gardens, and now also in other European countries.

International Garden Photographer of the Year Photo Contest:https://igpoty.com/