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Category Art of Nature

You can submit any images of nature to this category. The image should be one file produced by the camera, for example, HDR, focus stacking, multiple exposure, or an image produced by intentional camera movement. The image can also be taken without the use of special techniques – an insightful, well executed image.

The jury will focus on open-minded vision, impressions the image conveys, creative approach, and visual aesthetics.

The competition entry period for this series is from May 15 to August 3, 2025.

Take part in Category Art of Nature – Proceed to payment

  • Who can participate? What kind of images can I submit?

    • All submitted images must be taken by the participant, who must also hold full rights to the photos
    • You may also participate in the series with previously published photos. However, images submitted to this competition may not be entered in other Finnish national competitions between 2023 and 2025
    • Images can be submitted to international competitions, even if they have been awarded there
    • If the image features recognizable individuals, the photographer must have their consent for the images to be published
    • Photos taken at any time are accepted in all categories
    • The image can be taken anywhere in the world

    How do I submit the images?

    • Submissions to the competition can only be uploaded through the competition entry form
    • Once uploaded, the images cannot be edited or removed from the server
    • A maximum of five (5) images can be submitted to each category

    How do I name the images?

    • Please refrain from writing the photographer’s name on the images. Watermarks, graph names or logos may not be added to images
    • The name of the image files should show the title of the series and the name of the work. For example, artofnature_summer_night

    NB! A separate entry form must be filled in and submitted to each category you wish to enter.

  • In this category, only basic image editing is allowed (such as cropping, sharpening, adjustments of tonal values, moderate partial adjustments of the image, removal of sensor dust, noise reduction).The image can be colour-toned or converted into black-and-white. Combining panoramic images, HDR, and focus stacking is permitted in landscape images.

    The format of the image is free.

    Digitally manipulated images are not eligible for entry.

    The entries to this category must be submitted only as digital files, with the highest possible jpg quality. The measurement of the longest side is 1920 pixels (width or height). The files can be digitized from slides or negatives.

    Original Files

    • You do not need to send original files when submitting your entries.
    • All awarded photographers will be asked to send the original image/image files in August at the latest.
    • The original file must be sent to the jury within one week from the request.
    • Original files are original untouched camera files: RAW, DNG, CR2, NEF, TIF, etc. In case of scans of slides or negatives, the original file is the slide or negative.

  • Entry fee
    • The participation fee for the Hannu Hautala and Nature as Art categories is 30 euros. This single fee allows you to enter both categories
    • Once you have paid the registration fee, you will receive by email:

      • a participation code for each category

      • a receipt for your payment

    • Remember to check your spam folder if the message doesn’t appear in your inbox.
    • The payment confirmation will be sent by LocalHub Oy, which handles the participation fees on behalf of Kuusamo Nature Photo and the City of Kuusamo
    • After receiving a registration code for your chosen category, return to the Kuusamo Nature Photo site
    • Participation takes place via the online entry form. Please complete a separate form for each category, using the corresponding code.
    • Please note that all entries must be uploaded at the same time

  • The winners will be selected by a jury comprised of Jonna Kalliomäki (Chair), Paavo Hamunen, Mika Honkalinna, and Mia Surakka (rotating jury member).

    In this category, prizes will be awarded to the best 5 (five) images. Additionally, there will be three (3) honorable mentions. The first prize is 1500 euros.

    The judging of the photo competition will take place in early August, and the 8 (eight) participants who are among the best will be contacted during August.

    Each photographer competing in the top eight will receive an invitation to participate as a guest at the Kuusamo Nature Photo event.

  • The photographer retains full image rights to their own competition photo.

    The images must be taken by the participant themselves, and they must have all rights to the images. If the images feature identifiable individuals, the photographer must have their consent for publishing the photos.

    The participant is responsible for the appropriateness of the content in the images.

    The competition organizer has the right to publish the names of all award winners and honorable mentions in the communication and marketing channels they choose.

    The event organizer may use award-winning and honorable mention images as part of the event and photo competition marketing, including in a photo presentation or exhibition featuring the selected images.

    The competition organizer is not responsible for technical issues resulting in non-delivery of submissions. The competition organizer reserves the right to disqualify individuals from the competition if they have violated the rules or are suspected of using dishonest means to participate.

    By participating in the competition, the participant accepts the competition rules and decisions made by the competition organizer.

    The competition organizers do not collect participants’ contact information, pseudonyms, or other details for direct marketing purposes. Participant information is solely used for the execution of the competition and to deliver prizes to the winners.

    The competition organizer reserves the right to make any necessary changes related to the competition.

More information on the competition

  • With inquiries regarding the competition please contact Jury Chair Jonna Kalliomäki
  • With inquiries regarding image uploading please contact the event secretary of Kuusamo Hall