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What was this year's atmosphere? Wet

Rain, water and clouds in many shades of grey are a common denominator of all pictures awarded in a photo contest of this year’s NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days. Slovakia as a Special Partner Nation also appears on two of images that a jury chose as the best ones.

In total 189 pictures of 67 authors were evaluated in this edition of the photo contest. Jurors picked the ones which captured the event’s atmosphere in the best way. Although great pictures were taken also during preparations or the Saudi Hawks’ practice flight on Monday with blue sky, the jury was impressed mostly by photos with unfavourable weather that strongly influenced both dynamic displays programme and number of visitors.

“We have to stress that photos evaluation is totally anonymous, and no juror knows author of any picture,” says Martin Svoboda, Jagello 2000 Association. “The winner of the photo contest is the same as in 2016 – Rastislav Oslej. However, the jury unanimously decided that his picture out of all contributions shows the event’s atmosphere in most creative way combining the weather – in a form of water puddles, grey sky and visitors’ clothes – with a unique participation of the Slovak Government Flying Service that was one of this year’s highlights.”

1^st.place: Rastislav Oslej

The picture by Jaroslav Farský on the second place also shows Slovakia, this time its Saturday flypast of the MiG-29 and Airbus A319. The jury appreciated not only its motive, but the composition as well. The weather influence can be seen also on the photo by Jakub Novotný, which ranked third, with the M3A1 Stuard light tank’s dirty chassis and dark sky.

The photo by Tomáš Bubík won the Fans Award with 300 votes. It captured the Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon with water droplets condensing behind it. But it is also a commemoration of its pilot, Capt. Gabriele Orlandi, who died during his performance just one week later. The Special Award of the Jury then goes to Radek Mengler who sent a picture combining another highlight – the U.S. B-1 Lancer bomber – with clouds and people enjoying the event despite the weather.

Take a look at all contributions to the contest

 

We thank to all participants of the contest and we congratulate to all its winners.

The General Partner of NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days is the company