I am stunned by the diversity and the power of regeneration of nature

1 June 2021 Forests in photos

This June, our photo in the spotlight is ‘Harmony’, taken by Vlad Ionescu in Cheia, Romania. The photo is one of the top 12 images from our 2020 ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC’ photo contest.

Vlad tells us the story behind his photo and why the forest is so fascinating and inspiring for him.

How do you feel about forests, both professionally and personally?

Since I was a child, I have felt close to nature. I was fortunate enough to live close by a forest and I was taking long walks or cycled whenever I had some free time. Therefore, forests are part of my childhood, as well as my adulthood. I often go to the mountains and every time I am stunned by the diversity and the power of regeneration of nature, including the forests.

How did the forest inspire you to take your winning photo?

Nature has always inspired me in my photos. That's why I became a landscape photographer – to combine my love for nature and for outdoor activities. It is not difficult to be inspired when one feels the energy and the sounds a forest exhales, with the birds singing and other animals wandering around.

In Romania, many forests are passed by beautiful roads. They are among the most incredible roads in the world. I took this photo when, passing it by car, I observed the windings of the street and the beautiful trees along it. I was sure it must be gorgeous from above.

What do you think about the work that an organization such as PEFC does to care for forests?

We need as many organisations like PEFC as possible. Our forests are endangered by overexploitation, that needs to be limited. We must not forget that the forests are the lungs of the Earth.