Photo Contest 2026: Winning Photographs from the Exhibition
The winners of this year’s 2026 Photo Competition have been announced! The expert jury, represented by doc. Ing. Stanislav Horný, CSc., selected the three best photographs, while the International Office presented an award for the best photo capturing academic life abroad. Students themselves also had their say, voting for the winner of the VSE Students’ Choice Award.
An overview of all the winning photographs can be found below.
Over 100 students took part in the 2026 Photo Competition, and nearly 300 photographs capturing their experiences abroad were submitted. A total of 30 photographs by 28 students advanced to the second round. These photographs are on display from 2 to 20 November at the Paradise Gallery in the foyer of the Likešova Hall.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit the exhibition yet, there’s still time until 20 November. Come and discover this year’s winning photographs, as well as many other inspiring pitures from our students’ journeys abroad!
Winning photographs according to the audience:
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Winning photographs according to the expert jury and the prize of International Office:
Author’s comment: Amstel River, Netherlands – In Netherlands, caroling at Easter with pomlázka (Easter whip) didn’t get me very far, but getting up early was still worth it. Expert jury evaluation: A technically and compositionally flawless photo! Sharpness throughout the entire scene is superbly achieved thanks to the large depth of field. A very picturesque photo in terms of color. Great “color temperature contrast” between the blue and orange! The white “lines” and their reflections beautifully lead the eye to the main subject. |
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Author’s comment: My journey to this moment began at three in the morning, followed by a steep climb through the fields towards Rostro Maya overlooking Lake Atitlán. As the first light of dawn illuminated the sky, I noticed a woman standing with her arms outstretched towards the rising sun, creating a striking silhouette against the colourful horizon. I do not know the exact meaning of her gesture, but the moment seemed to capture a profound connection between humanity, tradition and nature. I had travelled to Guatemala alone during my spring break, never expecting that one of the most memorable moments of the journey would be one I could only quietly observe from a distance. Expert jury evaluation: Amazing lighting and tonal atmosphere! The subject is exactly where it should be—that is, at the so-called Golden Ratio. Careful post-production also brought out the best in the subject, which would otherwise have been too dark. |
Author’s comment: The story behind my picture was happening with my friends when we were on a roadtrip across Norway. Specifically, this photo was taken after we woke up in such a beautiful spot, where we were camping on the top of mountain. We arrived pretty late the night before, already in dark, after hiking a lot, faced weather changes, but this morning view spent with my best friends, filled my soul with calmness and to realize, how lucky am I. Expert jury evaluation: In my opinion, the most beautiful twin lakes in Norway—Gjende. The photographer was lucky with the sky and the wisps of clouds, and she made the most of it. The figure in the foreground at the bottom is the icing on the cake of this composition… |
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Special Award of the International Office for the Best Photograph from an Academic Setting:
Author’s comment: I came across this library in Paris (Bibliothèque nationale de France) while looking for a place where I could study for university and work on my bachelor’s thesis. When I walked inside, I was absolutely stunned by how breathtakingly beautiful it was. The majestic architecture and peaceful energy made such an impression on me that I just had to take this photo.
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We would like to thank all the students who sent us their photographs to the Photo Contest 2026 and congratulations to all winners!
