The Russian Geographical Society (RGS) announced the start of the XI photo contest “The Most Beautiful Country”. Acceptance of entries has begun for everyone who wants to participate – until March 31, professionals and photography enthusiasts from around the world can compete for the main prize 250 thousand rubles.
Contest rules do not limit participants by age or place of residence. The main condition is that the submitted photos must be taken on Russian territory. At the same time, it was even possible to take a photo on the phone – a special nomination was allocated for such work.
Traditionally, the “Most Beautiful Country” contest is dedicated to Russian nature as well as respect for the environment. As the Russian Geographical Society said, the structure and nominations of the competition are based on the rich experience of society, accumulated through a 180-year history of knowledge of Russia, including through photography. Continuing this tradition, contestants contribute to creating a unique image of Russia through the lens of photography.
Actor and director Vladimir Mashkov, a regular member of the competition jury, said: “While neurotechnologies can boast of software implementations, they cannot understand the depth that evokes emotions of the human soul that an artist can capture through a lens.” photo contest.
In addition, within the framework of the XI competition, for the first time a new nomination will be offered – “180 wonders of Russia”. It was dedicated to the 180th anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society. Those who want to participate in this nomination will have to capture the most outstanding sights of Russia – both man-made and natural.
At the same time, the competition would not be complete without favorite nominations that are already known to many participants – “Landscape”, “Wildlife”, “Birds”, “Elemental magic”, “ Russia in People”, “Living Archive”, “Wildlife Art” (art photo)”, “Macroworld”, “Smartphone Capture”. In addition, the “Best Desktop Wallpaper” nomination that first appeared in last year's photo contest will also return. The works of the 10 finalists in this nomination will become pre-installed wallpapers in the Astra Linux operating system.
And for photographers under 16 years old, a separate contest “The most beautiful country through the eyes of children” will be held. Within the framework of the competition, young photographers are invited to express themselves in four categories – “Landscape”, “Animal World”, “Natural Phenomena” and “Macro World”. The prize for the winner in each category is 100 thousand rubles.
The XI “Most Beautiful Country” photo contest will also feature a number of special nominations from partners of the Russian Geographical Society. Therefore, VK company will award a special prize to the winner of the new “Unique Place” nomination. To participate in this nomination, you must take photos in unusual and little-known corners of Russia. In return, VTB Bank will award the best photo in the category “Wildlife in Russia” – it must be shot in a specially protected natural area. ANO “Amur Tiger”, together with the company “Fosagro”, will choose the winner in the category “Camera Traps” – the company will accept photos of animals in their natural habitat. And the author of the most beautiful and emotional photo of a natural art object will receive a special award from the Arts, Science and Sports charity fund.
However, Internet users will also be able to choose the best photo – the winner of the “People's Choice Award” category will be chosen through an open vote, which will open on the photo contest website .
Photos can be submitted until March 31, 2025 on the websites photo.rgo.ru and photo-children.rgo.ru. They will then be viewed and evaluated by members of the jury, while the selection of winners will take place in several stages – first the works will be passed through members of a panel of experts independent, then a jury of professional photographers, film directors, actors and art critics. Currently, the jury includes photographers Sergei Gorshkov, Marco Urso, Andrew Parkinson and Igor Metelsky (winner of the Audience Prize in the X competition), photographers and authors of documentary and scientific projects -education Olga Michi, actor and director Sergei Garmash, his colleague Vladimir Mashkov, Russian pilot-cosmonaut Ivan Vagner, director of visual content Ilya of Lazarev, also such as President of the Russian Geographical Society Sergei Shoigu.
“There is always a moment when a photo stops, lingers, I just look at it. First impressions are very important. Of course, adding to the emotion is a place you have never been to but want to visit,” Sergei Garmash said about his experience as a contest judge.
