Penza, 26 July 2013. PenzaNews. Photo exposition “Wild Russia – 2012,” presenting the best works of the winners of the first all-Russian contest under the same name, will be held in Penza in autumn 2013 for the first time.

According to the press service of the government of the Penza region, all-Russian contest “Wild Russia – 2012” was conducted by “National Geographic Russia” and the Russian Geographical Society for the second time.

“The contest began in May. The winners were selected in several categories: scenery, mammals, bird, other animals, close-up photography, plants, “from dusk till dawn,” “nature in black and white,” underwater, “photo story,” and “young and talented.” Also this year, a new category was introduced — “for clean future of Lake Baikal,” the press service clarified.

Over 43 thousand works were received by the contest organizing committee.

“It was decided that this bright collection of amazing landscapes and wildlife images of Russia should be presented to as many viewers as possible. Photo exposition has already been exhibited in St. Petersburg, Tomsk, Omsk, Kazan and Perm. In each city, the exposition is also an open communication platform for professionals and photo enthusiasts, local residents and city visitors, where master classes, public lectures, promo actions and other kinds of events are held,” the chairman of Penza regional branch of the Russian Geographic Society Igor Pantyushov said.