“Autumn Through the Lens” – conclusion of the photography competition in Kroczyce

On 10 December, primary schools across the Kroczyce Municipality held the official award ceremony for the photography competition “Autumn Through the Lens”, an annual event that attracts young enthusiasts of photography and nature. Organised by the municipality in cooperation with local educational institutions, the competition once again highlighted how observant and sensitive pupils can be when given the opportunity to creatively interpret the world around them. This year’s edition focused on ecological education, emphasising that looking at nature with attentiveness and respect is the first step towards protecting it.

Participants were tasked with taking a photograph depicting an autumn landscape, a natural phenomenon or a detail of nature that best captured the character of the season. The submitted works impressed with their variety – from misty panoramic views and colourful forest paths to close-up shots revealing delicate leaf textures and raindrops. Each photograph told a story of an individual perspective on autumn, its colours, rhythm and fleeting beauty.

The eco-manager of the Kroczyce Municipality, Aneta Szczechla, visited each school to personally present awards and diplomas to both the winners and all participants. She emphasised that behind every photograph stood not only talent, but also effort, patience and a willingness to engage thoughtfully with nature. These qualities – as highlighted during the meetings – form the foundation not only of artistic work but also of everyday environmental care.

“Autumn Through the Lens” is part of a broader programme of pro-environmental initiatives carried out in the municipality. The competition supports the development of artistic skills, stimulates curiosity and encourages independent observation of the world. Many pupils, while preparing their submissions, set out on “photographic walks” to find the perfect shot. These explorations allowed them to discover the beauty of places they pass daily and to understand how much nature reveals when given just a moment of attention.

The conclusion of the competition became a beautiful celebration of pupils’ creativity and another example of how environmental education can inspire, develop and strengthen young people’s sensitivity. The collective recognition of their talents showed that mindful observation of the world is the first step towards genuine care for our planet.