These are some of the winning entries in the “Best of Russia 2015” photography competition, which was open to amateur and professional photographers across the country. The only condition for entry was that photos must have been taken in Russia during 2015. What’s remarkable about this year’s contest is that many photos are from Crimea. See the rest of the winners on the official website. Related: “The Best of Russia 2014 Photography Competition Winners”.

Smoke emissions from the crater of the Klyuchevskaya Sopka, Volcano and clouds- their almond shaps make them appear like flying Saucers sitting on top. Kamchatka. September 2015. Photo by Vladimir Voychuk

Road constructivism. The square in front of the shopping center MEGA, Ekaterinburg, August 2015 Photo by Nikolay Kuvshinov

“Apathy”. This wooden church of the Archangel Michael was built in 1871. Saratov Oblast. Photo by Nikolay Shadrin

“An Evening Prayer.”
Children’s Orthodox camp, the camp in honor of the Holy Martyr Clement of Ancyra in the village Poteryaevka, Altai Krai. July 11, 2015. Photo by Alexandr Kryazhev

A WW2 Veteran, the honorary guest of the event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory. Moscow. Photo by Pascal Dumont

“Changing of the Guard”
At the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” in the Alexander Garden in Moscow. Photo by Sergey Romashov