For our "Forests" photo contest, we asked you to capture the magic of the woods, and the results were nothing short of enchanting. From the dance of sunlight through the canopy to the quiet mystery of the undergrowth, you took us on a journey through nature’s most diverse environments.
We saw incredible variety in your submissions - vibrant autumn colors, misty morning paths, and lush, green tunnels. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just snapping shots for the love of nature, the passion in these images was clear. You showed us that you don't always need complex gear to capture the soul of the forest; sometimes, you just need to be in the right place at the right moment.
After much deliberation, we are incredibly excited to present the winning photographs!
And... the new photo contest is live! Discover it here
🏆 And the Winner is... Willem Klopper!
Photo by: Willem Klopper
Title: Tunnel of Love
1st prize: Xpozer (100x150cm)
Willem’s photo of the famous "Tunnel of Love" is an absolute showstopper. The composition is incredibly satisfying, using the natural archway of the trees to create strong leading lines that pull the viewer deep into the image. It feels like a portal into a fantasy world, where the industrial train tracks have been completely reclaimed by the vibrant green embrace of nature.
What makes this shot a winner is the depth and the lighting. The soft light filtering through the dense leaves highlights the texture of the foliage without being too harsh. It’s a perfect example of symmetry in nature (with a little help from a train). It captures the peaceful, almost magical atmosphere of the location perfectly. A well-deserved first place!
🥈 Second Place: Nancy Raaijmakers
Photo by: Nancy Raaijmakers
Title: Autumn Reflections
2nd prize: EPIX photo tiles (4x)
Nancy brings us the warmth of the season with this stunning autumn capture. The colors here are just explosive - the fiery oranges and reds of the cypress trees contrast beautifully with the subtle greens in the background. The reflection in the water doubles the impact, creating a painterly effect that is soothing to look at.
Composition-wise, Nancy made a smart choice by including the dark branch in the top foreground. This "framing" technique adds depth to the photo, making the viewer feel like they are standing right there at the water's edge, peeking through the trees. It’s a classic landscape shot executed with a great eye for color and balance.
🥉 Third Place: Thöndy Vanderbeken
Photo by: Thöndy Vanderbeken
Title: Fairytale Stream
3rd prize: EPIX retro tiles (4x)
Thöndy’s submission truly lives up to the fairytale mood. This image captures the dynamic movement of the forest floor. By using a longer shutter speed, the rushing water is transformed into a silky, soft blur, which contrasts wonderfully with the sharp, wet rocks and the crisp fallen leaves.
The perspective is low and immersive, drawing the eye from the rushing stream in the foreground up to the golden trees in the distance. It captures the "quiet mystery" we were looking for. The lighting is soft and even, allowing all those rich woodland tones to shine through without distraction. A beautiful, serene moment frozen in time.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a photo and to all the voters who helped make this contest so much fun. We are consistently amazed by the talent and passion within the Xpozer community.
Ready for your next challenge? Our new photo contest is already live!
Happy shooting!
