For the photo contest “Estonia in My Eyes” announced by MTÜ Satu Dialoog, we were waiting for foreigners to capture the charm, spirit and diversity of Estonia. 87 photos from 38 people were received.

The competition received a wide variety of works, from which a three-member jury – Aimar Ventsel, Anu Viltrop and Kristina Amor – selected the best.

The first place was won by a photo taken on a very cold winter day in Pikakari rand. Claire Sichel, the author of the photo, was amazed that the children were still playing outside in such cold weather. The light was so soft that day – it was really worth going outside!

The photo with the title “We took the northernmost part of Estonia away from the birds for a while” won the second place.
The author is Mustafa Özdemir.
Jury member Kristina Amor notes that this photo is ambiguous, each viewer sees a different story. “Loneliness and the search for answers can be noticed here, which can also be experienced by a foreigner who has arrived in Estonia.”

Third place went to a photo taken at a dance party. The author of the photo, Claire Sichel, was amazed by the beauty and diversity of Estonian folk costumes and the modern environment of the party.

The jury also decided to mark the fourth place photo.
“There are many wonderful things in Estonia: nature, order, security. Above all, Estonia offered us freedom, peace and family unity. For that we are always grateful. But there is another side to this coin. A foreigner in Estonia has its own difficulties. This time I wanted to draw attention to the aspect that it is autumn in Estonia. The photos I take remind me of sadness, loneliness and homesickness,” writes author Sümeyra Çatal.

Thank you to all participants! It was wonderful to see how Estonia is seen and felt. Estonia has evoked many nice, special, sad and different stories and memories.
The jury’s favorites were photos that offered more than stenciled views of the usual tourist attractions. We appreciated the works that offered the opportunity to see the photographer’s inner world and were immersed in everything that Estonia is and is not. Thank you for seeing Estonia as so beautiful and lovely! We hope that besides sadness, gloom and homesickness, you will have a lot of beautiful and bright moments and memories while living in Estonia.
The exhibition features 15 of the best images, including award-winning photo captures.