Gold in Nature/Other / 2026 / Nature / Other

• Prize
  Gold in Nature/Other
• Photographer
  Markku Lahdesmaki, United States
• Date of Photograph
  December 30, 2025
• Studio
  Lightroom Inc.
• Website
  https://www.markkuphoto.com
• Instagram
  Markku Lahdesmaki

My first visit to Rauhaniemi Sauna, Tampere Finland was in 2015. This winter, continuing my yearly tradition, I returned to Rauhaniemi and once again took the polar plunge myself. The scenery was so striking that I couldn’t resist making few new images.

Originally from Finland photographer, Markku Lahdesmaki, developed an interest in photography at an early age of 8. By 21 he had a studio in Finland and soon after in London UK and finally to Los Angeles. His photography ranges from pure painterly to complex technical composites. His love of photography also inspires a constant stream of personal work that is largely inspired by the values he holds dear — joy of life, peace of mind and a sense of humor.

Awards Previous wins at PX3.