Photo contest urges to notice and capture urban nature

University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Estonian Museum of Natural History invite people of all ages to participate in the photography contest “Wild City”. The aim of this contest is to guide people to notice and value wildlife in the urban space and inspire them to capture it.

The contest is waiting for photos made in the urban environment, telling stories of the nature and the city striving to live together. Baby birds in a box on a high-rise balcony, the first green shoot showing between stone stairs in spring, or owlets pulling faces at passers-by in the park – these are just a few examples of the wild in the city.  

“We encourage all nature-lovers who watch the surrounding world through camera lens to send their photos to the contest,” the chief organiser of the contest Veljo Runnel explains the aim of this event. “Above all, the jury appreciates the good idea in a photo. We try to guide people, also those who are usually not so much into photography, to notice and capture the urban nature. Therefore it does not matter whether you use a phone or top-level equipment to take the photo,” he adds.

Photos can be submitted to the photo contest “Wild City” until 20 May 2017 at http://veeb.ut.ee/photo-contest/metsik-linn-2017.

Submissions are assessed in two age groups: children (up to 15 year-olds) and adults (no age limit for participants). Each author may submit max 3 photos. Terms and conditions are specified on the photo contest website at http://veeb.ut.ee/photo-contest/metsik-linn-2017. Winners are announced on the opening date of Tartu Nature Festival, 7 June.

Photos are assessed by a jury comprising of the naturalist and photographer Rein Kuresoo, curator of nature exhibitions Lennart Lennuk, photographer Ingmar Muusikus, artist-designer Margot Sakson, photographer Sven Začek and artist-designer Eve Valper.

Prizes are presented by Photopoint, National Geographic Estonia, Looduse Omnibuss, University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Botanical Gardens, Estonian Museum of Natural History, Salibar OÜ, MyPrint, Seto Folk, Tartu City Government, Environmental Board, Energy Discovery Centre and AHHAA Science Centre.

The photography contest is supported by Tartu City Government.

The contest is a part of the programme of the Nature Festival to be held from 7 to 10 June in Tartu.

Information: Veljo Runnel, chief organiser of the photo contest, 520 6108, veljo.runnel@ut.ee