From January 18 to March 31, 2024, the Russian Geographical Society accepts works for the anniversary X Photo Contest "The Most Beautiful Country". Photos taken on the territory of Russia are allowed to participate in it.
For many years, the photographers of "The Most Beautiful Country" have been presenting impressive results of their work to the contest, involving viewers in an exciting virtual journey through our vast and beautiful homeland, sharing exciting emotions. How can touching pictures from the life of wild animals, unusual and sometimes mysterious natural phenomena, incredible in beauty, almost fabulous landscapes leave anyone indifferent?
However, the heritage of our country is not only its nature, but also its people. The participants of the photo contest talk with great respect about the lives of compatriots, scrupulously study folk traditions and the history of the state. And each such study becomes a part of the visual chronicle of modern Russia.
“It is interesting to observe how the change of generations of photographers takes place. New people come, their work is distinguished by original ideas and unusual solutions. Many participants visit places in Russia that have never been filmed and actually make photographic discoveries," said photographer Sergei Gorshkov, who has been participating in the jury of “The Most Beautiful Country” photo contest for many years.
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In 2024, two new categories appeared in the contest: "Photo Project", as well as "The Most Beautiful Desktop Wallpaper". The works of 10 finalists will be pre-installed on the Astra Linux operating system.
“We want to reflect the greatness, diversity, and beauty of Russia's nature in the wallpapers of the Astra Linux operating system: from the endless fields to the breathtaking taiga, from the frosty shores of Lake Baikal to the blooming steppes. We will choose photos that will allow to express the power, scale, unique nature and culture of our country in the appearance of our platform," said Ilya Sivtsev, CEO of Astra Group PJSC.
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Every year, the partners of "The Most Beautiful Country" contest make their choice. The most beautiful and emotional natural art object will receive a special prize from the Art, Science, and Sport Charitable Foundation. VTB Bank will celebrate the most impressive shot taken in a specially protected natural area by awarding a special prize "Reserved Russia". “Amur Tiger” ANO and “PhosAgro” will choose the most unexpected picture of animals in their natural habitat, awarding a special prize "Shot on a Camera Trap".
According to the results of an open online voting, among the finalists' images, a work will be selected, the author of which will receive the People’s Choice Award from the Russian Geographical Society.
Specially for the anniversary photo contest, the the organizers prepared a very unusual Special Prize from the Russian Geographical Society. Its owners will be three photographers, whom the representatives of the Russian Geographical Society will choose among all the winners over 10 years. The laureates will have the opportunity to participate and film in the most interesting and exciting expeditions of the Russian Geographical Society, which will take place in 2025, will be able to participate in great science, and see how discoveries are born.
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Four categories have been announced in the contest "The Most Beautiful Country through the Eyes of Children": "Landscape", "Animal World", "Natural Phenomena", and a new category "Macroworld".
The jury of 2024 traditionally includes famous photographers, film directors, actors, and art historians. President of the Russian Geographical Society, Sergei Shoigu, is a permanent member of the jury.
A photographer of any level can submit works for the photo contest "The Most Beautiful Country", their place of residence, citizenship or age do not matter. The main condition is that the photo must be taken on the territory of Russia. The winners in the main categories will receive a cash prize in the amount of 250,000 rubles.
We also remind you that by the start of the anniversary contest, the RGS’s project "The Most Beautiful Country" had celebrated a relocation. On December 22, a new website was launched, which will become even more beautiful, informative, and user-friendly.
The nature of our country is constantly ready to surprise those who want to see its beauty with their own eyes. We invite everyone to join us to rediscover Russia together with the Russian Geographical Society!