Forests take us by wings of fancy: they have no barriers

22 February 2018 Forests in photos

This month we hear from Somenath Mukhopadhyay, a runner up in our 2017 ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC’ photo contest with his fantastic photo Woodsy Fancy.

How do you feel about forests?

“I am a teacher by profession, in a higher secondary school in India, and I am pleased to say that forests and the environment are an important part of the syllabus. Our students need to have a good understanding of environmental issues to help them find a remedy to live life better.

“As a teacher, I enjoy the privilege of encouraging my students to explore the lessons from a global perspective. I feel this is the best way to achieve a sustainable future world. Understanding forests and nature as a whole is a vital part of this education.

“As a photographer, I feel a passion for the forest. I have travelled through many of the forests of my country and abroad. Forest vegetation changes its form, shape and colour throughout the various seasons of the year, offering immense opportunities of creativity for artists and photographers.”

How did the forest inspire you to take your winning photo?

“Unfortunately, forests are so often used for human consumption. We forget that they live in our dreams, poetry and aesthetics – “the woods are lovely, dark and deep” (‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by Robert Frost).

“Forests have no barriers and excite everybody's imagination. In this photograph, a rustic girl looking at her image in the carpenter's mirror is a symbolical representation of how the world of forests connects us with the world of dreams.”

What you think of the work that PEFC does to care for forests?

“I like the activities and initiatives taken up regularly by PEFC. PEFC has shown the world the way to sustainable forest management.”

Check out more of Somenath's photos!

Get your cameras ready, 22 April 2018 marks the start of ‘Experience Forests, Experience PEFC 2018' - find out more!!