Photo Programme

Kuldne allee "rosinaga". Foto: Jan Lepamaa

Results of the 2026 "Treasures of Autumn" Photo Contest:

The photo contest ran for 45 days this year and brought us 239 photos from 60 authors! ✨

The jury, consisting of Remo Savisaar (chair), Ave Kruusel and Kalmer Lehepuu, evaluated the photos. In addition, representatives from Wildlife Dreams, Tuulingu Puhkemaja, Visit Saastna, and RMK selected their favorite images.

🏆 Awarded Works:
🌿 Wildlife Dreams – Jan Lepamaa “A Colourful Autumn Day” and Päivi Puu “Still Life”
🌿 Tuulingu Puhkemaja – Kauro Kuik “At the Mercy of the Autumn Winds”
🌿 Visit Saastna – Kairi Kalmann “October Takes the Leaves Away”
🌿 RMK – Aivo Oblikas “An Unravelled Thread Through the Autumn Bog” and Andrei Reinol “Layers”

🎫 MAFF Festival Passes were awarded to:
Jan Lepamaa, Kauro Kuik, Klaas Huwel, Ragnis Pärnmets, Eimar Kull, Siim Tarrikas, Tauri Pärna, Mati Kose, Peter Lind, Petra Westers Andersson, Maia Zeiger, Jaanus Tanilsoo, Verner Kaur, Merje Aru, Andrei Reinol, Priit Noogen, Ave Timm, Peeter Sink, Janek Joab, Rasmus Ilves.

NB! We will contact the winners of festival passes before the festival, and the winners of other prizes within one week, no later than 30 September 2026.

The Essence of Autumn. Photo: Remo Savisaar

Photo Contest – Treasures of Autumn

The aim of the photo contest “Treasures of Autumn” is to gather a beautiful collection of images showcasing the autumn charm of Estonian nature.

We welcome photographs of landscapes, autumn colours and moods, as well as birds, mammals, insects and plants – everything that captures the essence of autumn.

The photographs should convey an autumn atmosphere and feeling: the abundance of colours, ripeness and transformation, morning mist, rainy days, low sunlight, the silence of autumn, or perhaps more dramatic stormy moments. Autumn is not only about golden leaves – it is a season full of special light, unique moments and the changing face of nature.

We are looking for images that show what truly makes autumn autumn.

From the submitted works, the jury will make a selection that will form a beautiful online gallery, which can also be shared on social media (Facebook).

This way, the chosen photos and their authors will gain the widest possible visibility.

The First Frosty Autumn Morning. Photo: Remo Savisaar

Participation Rules for the “Treasures of Autumn” Photo Contest:

• The contest lasts exactly one month: 23.07.2026 – 06.09.2026. The deadline for photo submissions is September 6th. After that, the jury will evaluate the entries. Results will be announced on September 20th.

• The photo must be taken in Estonia.

• Each participant may submit up to 5 photos.

• The theme of the competition is autumn – the transformation, diversity and beauty of Estonian nature. We welcome photographs of natural landscapes, autumn colours, moods, as well as free-living birds, mammals, insects, butterflies and plants.

The photographs should convey an autumn atmosphere and feeling: the abundance of colours, ripeness and transformation, morning mist, rainy days, low sunlight, the silence of autumn, or perhaps more dramatic stormy moments. Autumn is not only about golden leaves – it is a season full of special light, memorable moments and the changing face of nature.

NB! Photos of people, garden plants, buildings, vehicles, pets, etc. are not eligible. This is strictly a nature photography contest.

• Photos must be submitted digitally, in JPG format.

• The long side of the photo must be at least 2000 pixels.

• Adding or removing objects in photos is not allowed (including frames, watermarks, author’s signature, name, etc.). The only exception is removing dust spots. Organizers reserve the right to request the original camera file (RAW or JPG) from the author for comparison if needed.

• When processing photos, participants should follow good practice and present the scene truthfully and naturally.

• Finalists will be contacted by the jury via e-mail to confirm the story and/or description of the photo and the shooting time. This information will be displayed alongside the author’s name. The exact location of the photo will remain undisclosed to protect the subjects and photographers’ shooting sites.

• The sender of the photo(s) is responsible for ensuring they hold the copyright to the work.

The organizers reserve the right to use submitted photos in connection with the contest and its results in online platforms, media, exhibitions, and public events, always crediting the author.