Photo

Professional jury

• Andrey Kamenev

  Russia

  A professional photographer with 36 years of experience. Started as a sports photojournalist for the newspaper «Sovetsky Sport». Over the years, publications have appeared in more than 300 magazines. There have been about 20 solo exhibitions. Since 2010, he has been a photographer for National Geographic Russia, where more than 30 major stories have been published. In 2009, the story about Lake Baikal ice was recognized as the best publication among 35 regional editions of NG. He has participated in and organized more than 40 expeditions and major trips. He participated in two large filming expeditions for National Geographic USA as a cameraman and photographer. For the Year of Ecology in Russia, in collaboration with PlanetPics, a cycle of «Protected Gems of Russia» was created, consisting of 8 documentary films in 360 format and 30 4K films commissioned by the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia. He participated in the filming of 5 large films about the nature of Russia with Ivan Zatevakhin. He went dog sledding with Fedor Konyukhov and Viktor Simonov. He dove under the ice at the North Pole and filmed in Antarctica. Over the years, he has visited more than 100 countries and traveled to all regions of Russia.
• Gheorghe Popa

  Romania

  Nature and Landscape Photographer. Gheorghe Popa is a Romanian nature photographer, internationally recognized for his stunning images that capture wild landscapes, abstract compositions, and unique natural details. By combining aerial photography with classic techniques, his work highlights both the beauty and fragility of the environment. He has been awarded in some of the world’s most prestigious photography competitions, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year (UK), GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year (Germany), Asferico (Italy), MontPhoto (Spain), Nature Photographer of the Year – NPOTY (Netherlands), International Landscape Photographer of the Year (Australia), Drone Awards, Epson Pano Awards, and Memorial Maria Luisa. In 2024, he secured 3rd place at ILPOTY and won the special award for Best Aerial Photograph twice. Beyond competition achievements, Gheorghe Popa has served as a jury member for NPOTY (Netherlands) and Asferico (Italy), helping select some of the finest nature photography worldwide. He has also been invited as a guest speaker at MontPhoto and NPOTY, sharing his experience and artistic vision on landscape photography. His photographs have been featured on the covers of National Geographic Traveler, Nature, Emergence Magazine, Elements Magazine, OnLandscape, and Pianeta 2030, further cementing his reputation as a leading visual artist. One of his most acclaimed projects, The Poisoned Beauty, is a powerful documentary series about environmental pollution, published internationally by National Geographic. Additionally, his photography book Cuejdel – A Tale from the Carpathian Wilderness, dedicated to Cuejdel Lake, has been recognized in competitions such as IPA International Photography Awards, Tokyo International Photo Awards, and PX3 Paris. https://gheorghepopa.com/
• Mario Suárez Porras

  Spain

  Born in 1968, Asturias, where he lives and works as a primary school teacher trying to instil in his pupils a love of nature. Mario has been in contact with photography since he was thirteen years old when his father gave him his first reflex camera. And with the arrival of digital photography he started with bird photography, which is his passion nowadays, trying to show an artistic vision of them. He lives near the Cantabrian coast, a great place to photograph seabirds and their migrations. For the last twenty years he has spent many hours photographing these travelling birds, specialising and has specialised in them. He has participated in several national and international exhibitions and lectures on bird photography. He has also published in nature magazines and newspapers of recognised prestige. Author of the photography book ‘Inspirado por las aves’ (2023), where he compiles his work with birds from a creative point of view. He is also co-author of several books on photography of nature photography. He has won prizes in most of the most important international nature photography competitions. He has also been a member of the jury in several of them, as well as for the Princess of Asturias Awards. Canon Pro Master Photographer of Canon Spain and ambassador in Spain of prestigious brands related to nature photography such as Canon, LeoFoto and Buteo Gear. He is an active member of several nature organisations, but what he is most proud of is having been a founding member of AFONAS, the society of nature photographers of Asturias of which he is currently the president. https://afonas.es/
• Cynthia Bandurek

  Argentina

  Cynthia Bandurek is an Argentinian conservation ecologist, field naturalist, wildlife macro photographer, and artist, currently residing in Costa Rica. Her passion lies in unveiling the intricate details of often-overlooked creatures, such as arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, and fungi, through her compelling macro photography. By blending scientific knowledge with artistic vision, Cynthia crafts images that narrate the fascinating stories of these small yet vital life forms, aiming to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world. As the author of The World of Small, Cynthia offers readers an artistic, visual, and evolutionary exploration into the universe of arthropods. Her dedication to education extends to her role as a naturalist guide in Costa Rica, where she leads immersive experiences, and as an educator offering online courses, eBooks, and Lightroom presets to help others refine their macro photography skills. Her workshops and private mentoring sessions, both online and in the field, have empowered numerous photographers to develop their unique styles and deepen their understanding of macro photography. Cynthia's expertise has been recognized through her service as a jury member for several national and international photography contests. Beyond her photographic endeavors, Cynthia has contributed to the conservation community as an ambassador for Nature First, promoting responsible nature photography practices. Her written works have been featured in various publications, including Paws Trails Explorers Magazine, Nature TTL, Wild Eye, Untamed Photo Magazine and Nature Vision Magazine, covering topics from macro photography techniques to ethical considerations in the field Cynthia's multifaceted career reflects her unwavering commitment to conservation, education, and the art of revealing the unseen wonders of our natural world. https://cynthiabandurek.com/
• Fernando Faciole

  Brazil

  Fernando Faciole is a conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer 24' based in São Paulo, Brazil. With a background in Biological Sciences, his deep connection with nature and wildlife was fostered early in life, having spent much of his childhood in a trailer surrounded by nature. He is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), becoming the youngest Brazilian to join and only the third from his country to be part of this prestigious group. Faciole's work has taken him around the globe, documenting critical conservation stories focused on endangered species and threatened ecosystems. From capturing the plight of flamingos held in captivity in the Dominican Republic to highlighting the devastating drought and wildfires in the Pantanal wetlands, his compelling photo stories have been licensed by prominent media outlets, including National Geographic and BBC Wildlife Magazine. He has received numerous awards in international contests, including the Environmental Photography Award from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2024 and 2025 and the Panda Award at the Wildscreen Festival in 2022. As a National Geographic Explorer, Faciole is currently documenting the Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus), an endangered species vital to its ecosystem https://www.fernandofaciole.com/
• Francesco Pacienza

  Italy

  Wildlife and underwater photographer. Francesco left university to pursue his passion for photography and graduated from the European Institute of Design, specializing in jewelry photography. Pacienza began photographing various subjects and became particularly passionate about underwater photography. He uses photography to reproduce what the human eye confuses. He began writing articles for national and international magazines about the sea, nature, and travel. Over time, Pacienza has refined his photography techniques and become a pioneer of new creative filters for underwater photography. He has published several articles where he talks about his adventures and travels in the first person. Traveling makes him curious and inspires him to experiment with new techniques. In 2006, he became a testimonial and technical collaborator for the Italian underwater housing manufacturer Easydive. Pazienza has received numerous awards and his photographs have been exhibited and published all over the world. His greatest effort is to give dignity and value to photography, trying to free it from a merely "professional" consideration. Among his favorite subjects is the sea. He feels the need to immerse himself completely in reality. He could be defined as a "fisherman of images". https://www.francescopacienza.it/
• Anthony Ochieng

  Kenya

  Anthony is an award winning Wildlife Photographer and Filmmaker, Ecologist, Educator based in Nairobi, Kenya. His work is focused on creating conservation content that will inspire conservation action across all ages and races. He is the Executive Director and Founder of TonyWild Foundation. A platform for promoting conservation action by creating awareness on wildlife conservation through photography, film and science and he is a Board Member of Conservation Alliance of Kenya (CAK). He had a unique interest in nature as a teenager, realizing the unique bond between himself and relationships with others. This informed his way of life, from being a Conservation Leader in school to date, pursuing a Wildlife Management degree and working for conservation organization such as Giraffe Center (African Fund for Endangered Wildlife A.F.E.W.) Laikipia Wildlife Forum and Birdlife International-Africa Secretariat. He collaborates with organization such as Chimpanzee Trust, Just Digit, Earth Optimism Nairobi-Tropical Biology Association of Africa, Action for Cheetahs Kenya, Grevy Zebra Trust, The Pangolin Project, Adventure for Rhinos, Last Male Standing Rhino Cup-Olpejeta Conservancy and Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA). He is a National Geographic Explorer, International League of Conservation Photographer (iLCP) emerging league fellow. His images have been featured in National Geographic Espana and Africa, Climate Tracker, Climate Visuals Org, Sustainable Travel International and Global landscape Forum. He is a bronze winner of the Safal Eye in the Wild Photography Competition 2019 and Finalist for Earth Photo 2021, British High Commission Nairobi Climate Changemakers photography competition. Global Landscape Forum –Kyoto and Accra, Heart of Kenya, a Nikon Kenya Competition, and Picfair Celebrating Africa: City life category. His images have been exhibited at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), London, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Dorset and Grizedale, Cumbria. https://www.anthonyochieng.com/

Expert jury

• Dmitriy Shevlyakov

  Russia

  Technical Expert of the Festival
• Andrey Gilev

  Russia

  Ethical Treatment of Animals Expert

Jury of Peers

• Anton Agarkov (Russia)
  
• Sarthak Agrawal (India)
  
• Evgeny Borisov (Russia)
  
• Elisa Confortini (Italy)
  
• Hector Cordero (Spain)
  
• Federico Crovetto (Italy)
  
• Juan Cuetos (Spain)
  
• Supun Dilshan (Sri Lanka)
  
• Gergo Dioszegi (Hungary)
  
• Philippe Fayt (Belgium)
  
• Alexander Fedosov (Russia)
  
• Andrey Gilev (Russia)
  
• Svetlana Gorbatykh (Russia)
• Galina Gorshenina (Russia)
  
• Imre Herpai (Hungary)
  
• Mike Korostelev (Russia)
• Nadezhda Kulagina (Kazakhstan)
  
• Andrey Kuznetsov (Russia)
• Tibor Litauszki (Hungary)
  
• Mohammad Murad (Kuwait)
  
• Egor Nikiforov (Russia)
• Andrey Nosik (Russia)
  
• Francesco Pacienza (Italy)
  
• Alexey Perelygin (Russia)
  
• Alexander Perevozov (Russia)
  
• Alexander Perov (Russia)
  
• Oleg Pershin (Russia)
  
• Sergey Pesterev (Russia)
  
• Andrey Podkorytov (Russia)
  
• Natalia Polyakova (Russia)
• Manuel Castellanos Raboso (Spain)
  
• Andrey Romanchenko (Russia)
  
• Renata Romero (Italy)
  
• Padmanava Santra (India)
  
• Adriana Claudia Sanz (Argentina)
  
• Sergey Savvi (Russia)
  
• Andrey Shpatak (Russia)
  
• Krisztian Singler (Hungary)
  
• Loredana De Sole (Italy)
  
• Irma Szabo (Hungary)
  
• Lam Soon Tak (Malaysia)
  
• Ilya Timin (Russia)
  
• Ilya Trukhanov (Russia)
  
• Kirill Uyutnov (Russia)
  
• Pasquale Vassallo (Italy)
  
• Ekaterina Vasyagina (Russia)