Our 2026 judges will be announced shortly. We are committed to a panel that brings together technical photographic expertise, editorial experience, and deep knowledge of natural history. Judging is blind — judges do not know the identity or professional status of the photographers whose work they are evaluating.
Rob Vamplew (Rob the Ranger) Professional Wildlife Filmmaker With over 20 years of experience in the African bush—including 15 years as a specialist guide in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve—Rob Vamplew has defined the "unfiltered" genre of wildlife documentation. Known to millions globally as Rob the Ranger, he has moved beyond traditional guiding to become one of the most influential creators in the field, with over 1.75 million subscribers and footage frequently featured by Nat Geo Wild, Discovery, and Animal Planet. The RAW Perspective: Rob’s career is built on the "Beauty and Brutality" of nature—showing sightings exactly as they occur without the artificial polish of traditional documentaries. This commitment to honesty makes him a definitive voice for The RAW Awards. https://www.youtube.com/robtherangerwildlifevideos
Angelo Paletta is a distinguished Italian-Canadian entrepreneur who operates at the intersection of high-end cinema, elite automotive engineering, and global philanthropy. Formerly the President and CEO of a 55-company family conglomerate—spanning the massive agri-food, and real estate sectors—Angelo now leads TNG Capital Corp “The Next Generation” and Princess Gates Entertainment, where he has produced or financed over 100 projects for theatre, film, TV, and streaming. Angelo has also invested in Sports via Hamilton Tiger Cats and The Forge locally, and Internationally via, McLaren F1 Racing and the X Games. A globally recognized car collector and strategic partner within the F1 ecosystem (including McLaren Racing), Angelo’s perspective is defined by technical precision and premium visual standards. His contributions to society and the arts have been recognized through numerous prestigious honors, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal and knighthoods from the House of Savoy and the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. Role at the RAW Photography Awards: Angelo brings a "High-Value" lens to the panel, serving as a counterpoint to the raw and unedited. He evaluates entries through the eyes of a producer and curator, challenging photographers to achieve a level of compositional sophistication and artistic intent that mirrors the world-class standards of the cinematic and automotive industries. @24hrford
Wolfgang Schwan is an acclaimed documentary photographer and photojournalist whose work from the frontlines of global conflict—most notably his viral coverage of the war in Ukraine—has become a definitive record of modern history. His imagery, featured by The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, New Yorker, National Geographic, Vanity Fair etc... is characterized by an unflinching gaze that captures the intersection of human vulnerability and geopolitical upheaval. The RAW Perspective: Schwan’s work embodies the "Real and Wild" ethos through his commitment to truth over artifice. Operating in environments where there is no room for staged moments, he masters the art of the "decisive second," proving that the most powerful narratives are those captured in their rawest, most unpolished form. Named "Best Author" at the 2023 Siena International Photo Awards, Wolfgang Schwan was honored for his definitive portfolio, Ukraine’s War. His body of work—anchored by the globally iconic portrait of a bandaged Olena Kurilo—is defined by an intimate, "Real and Wild" honesty that captures profound human vulnerability amidst geopolitical chaos. @wolfgang_schwan on Instagram
Michelle Valberg is one of Canada’s most celebrated wildlife photographers, a Nikon Ambassador, and a recipient of the Order of Canada. With a career spanning four decades and all seven continents, her work is defined by its ability to reach beyond the visual to capture deep emotional connections with the natural world. From the high Arctic to the Great Bear Rainforest, Michelle’s photography has been featured on Canadian coins, postage stamps, and numerous National Geographic and Canadian Geographic covers. A tireless advocate for the planet, Michelle is the Photographer-in-Residence for Canadian Geographic and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Her technical mastery and storytelling have earned her global accolades, including a gold medal at the World Photographic Cup. Beyond the lens, she is a dedicated philanthropist and educator, having founded Project North and continuing to lead immersive expeditions that inspire photographers to deepen their vision and impact. For RAW Photography Awards, Michelle brings a "Soulful" lens to the panel. Her camera is connected to her heart. She sees the rare moments of vulnerability and natural connection. Her expertise ensures that entries are judged not just on technical aspects, but on their ability to act as a powerful voice for conservation and the fragile beauty of our shared planet. https://www.michellevalberg.com/ @michellevalbergphotography
Details coming soon.
Details coming soon.
All entries are anonymised. Judges see only the image and the subcategory — not the photographer's identity.
Our team screens for rule compliance, AI policy violations, and territory verification via metadata.
Judges independently score entries. The highest-rated images advance to the final category review.
The full panel convenes to select Gold winners. The RAW Photographer of the Year is chosen from the Gold pool.
Impact. Does the image stop the viewer? We look for a quality of attention — the feeling that the photographer saw something others would have missed.
Technical excellence. Is the image well-made? Sharpness, exposure, and composition are considered relative to the environment and subject.
Authenticity. For wildlife categories, does the image capture genuine behavior? We value honest, unforced moments over staged setups.
Local Connection. The best RAW images feel like they belong to a specific place. We look for deep intimacy with the local territory.