Mystical fairytale forest takes first place in Slovakian photo contest

3 August 2020 Forests in photos

The 2020 ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC’ national photo contests have come to an end, and our members have chosen their winners.

PEFC Slovakia is the first to present their winning images, which will enter the international contest for the chance to become the 2020 ‘PEFC Photographer of the Year’. The theme of PEFC Slovakia’s contest was ‘Forest – the green wealth of the country’.

“The main ambition of the contest is to emphasize the importance of forests and draw attention to the need to protect the forest wealth of this planet," explained Hubert Paluš, National Secretary of PEFC Slovakia.

The winning images

First place went to ‘V rozprávkovom lese’ (‘In a fairytale forest’), taken by Adrián Mišiak in northern Podpoľanie, Slovakia. 

The jury was impressed by the way the photo captures the atmosphere of the autumn forest. In addition, the shot received points for technical quality and light.

František Hromada came in second with his photo ‘Zo starej smrečiny’ (‘From the old spruce forest’), showing a brown bear in a forest in Nedožery-Brezany, Slovakia.

“The photo is a prime example of wildlife photography that has all the parameters of a good shot. In addition, as a bonus, it captures a main motive," explained jury member Dominik Belica.

Martin Šebesta took third place for his photo ‘Les ponorený v oblakoch’ (‘Forest submerged in clouds’), showing "curious trees peeking out from under a veil of fog."

The prizes

For first place, Mr. Mišiak wins a stay in the holiday accommodation Chata pod Jaseňom in Oravská Lesná, Slovakia.

Mr. Hromada wins a voucher of 150€ for the holiday accommodation Lesy SR, š.p., and Mr. Šebesta receives a voucher of 100€ from the GRUBE store.