The incredible shortlisted images in Agora’s green-themed photography contest from Iceland to Spain

You might just be left green with envy at the stunning talent behind these photographs. 

They are MailOnline Travel’s pick of the 50 images shortlisted in a contest called #Green2020 run by photo app Agora. 

Agora asked photographers around the globe to send in shots that best showcase the ‘colour of growth and regeneration’. In total, 17,689 photos were submitted, with the competition judges whittling them down to 50 finalists. Agora users were then asked to vote for their favourite and overall winner.

The spectacular entries include a striking shot of dramatic mountains in Iceland, a fairytale-like image of a forest in Spain and a mesmerising aerial picture of a football pitch hidden among trees in a Moscow park. 

Octavi Royo, Agora’s CEO & co-founder, said: ‘Green is the colour of hope because it is the colour of life. Thousands of photographers around the world have participated with their best photos of #Green2020. This powerful selection of images will stir your soul.’

Scroll down to cast your eyes on the amazing shots – you’ll find the winning image at the bottom…

Santi Nieto, from the UK, snapped this striking image of dramatic mountains in Iceland. He called his photograph ‘Sunlight Painting the Mountains’

The epic Icelandic waterfall Skógafoss, captured in a jaw-dropping photograph by British photographer Joel Friend. He explained: 'The golden light we got for this morning sunrise was crazy. I couldn't have wished for better weather on my 10-day road trip around the land of fire and ice!'

The epic Icelandic waterfall Skógafoss, captured in a jaw-dropping photograph by British photographer Joel Friend. He explained: ‘The golden light we got for this morning sunrise was crazy. I couldn’t have wished for better weather on my 10-day road trip around the land of fire and ice!’

This fairytale-like forest scene was captured by Spanish photographer Sergio Saavedra Ruiz in Cantabria, Spain. He explained: 'I wanted to portray the beauty of nature through a forest that looked like it was straight out of a fairy tale'

This fairytale-like forest scene was captured by Spanish photographer Sergio Saavedra Ruiz in Cantabria, Spain. He explained: ‘I wanted to portray the beauty of nature through a forest that looked like it was straight out of a fairy tale’

Russian photographer Yura Borschev took this amazing aerial image in Germany. He said: 'My drone caught this steam locomotive, built in the 1940s, approaching a railway station'

Artem Pikalov, from Russia, shot this incredible aerial image of Meshchersky Park, Moscow. He said: 'This place is unique in its beauty. With this photo, I tried to convey the scale of a dense green forest and, of course, the hidden football field surrounded by the majestic trees'

On the left is an amazing aerial image snapped in Germany by Russian photographer Yura Borschev. He said: ‘My drone caught this steam locomotive, built in the 1940s, approaching a railway station.’ On the right is another incredible aerial shot, this time showing Meshchersky Park, Moscow. It was taken by Russian photographer Artem Pikalov. He said: ‘This place is unique in its beauty. With this photo, I tried to convey the scale of a dense green forest and, of course, the hidden football field surrounded by the majestic trees’ 

Dutch snapper Sjoerd Bracke captured this sunrise scene in Alpe Di Siusi in the Italian Dolomites. He said: 'My girlfriend and I woke up in the early morning to go to Alpe Di Siusi for sunrise. It's located on a plateau in the mountains and known for the beautiful cabins located on the landscape. To me, this place was all about peacefulness. Cars aren't allowed if you're not living there, so this makes the place even more peaceful and quiet! No-one was around and when the sun was rising, the scenery started to become more and more beautiful'

Dutch snapper Sjoerd Bracke captured this sunrise scene in Alpe Di Siusi in the Italian Dolomites. He said: ‘My girlfriend and I woke up in the early morning to go to Alpe Di Siusi for sunrise. It’s located on a plateau in the mountains and known for the beautiful cabins located on the landscape. To me, this place was all about peacefulness. Cars aren’t allowed if you’re not living there, so this makes the place even more peaceful and quiet! No-one was around and when the sun was rising, the scenery started to become more and more beautiful’

British photographer Jon Cleave says his image shows the scarred hillsides of the Welsh countryside. He said: 'Legend has it that the hillside scars were caused by the Welsh dragon's claws. If you look very closely, you can see little white specs. These are sheep. It gives you some context of how small we really are in this world!'

British photographer Jon Cleave says his image shows the scarred hillsides of the Welsh countryside. He said: ‘Legend has it that the hillside scars were caused by the Welsh dragon’s claws. If you look very closely, you can see little white specs. These are sheep. It gives you some context of how small we really are in this world!’

This close-up image was snapped by Spanish photographer Alejandro Ibáñez López in Huelva, Spain. He named the shot 'Sin escapatoria', which means without escape. He said: 'Photography allows you to freeze time and enjoy the moment'

This close-up image was snapped by Spanish photographer Alejandro Ibáñez López in Huelva, Spain. He named the shot ‘Sin escapatoria’, which means without escape. He said: ‘Photography allows you to freeze time and enjoy the moment’ 

Anskar Lenzen, from Austria, was behind this incredible image of a frog peering out of the water in Münster, Germany. He said: 'I wanted to get a special perspective for this photo. My camera got way too close to the water, but I'm delighted with the final result!'

Anskar Lenzen, from Austria, was behind this incredible image of a frog peering out of the water in Münster, Germany. He said: ‘I wanted to get a special perspective for this photo. My camera got way too close to the water, but I’m delighted with the final result!’

Sharwar Apo, from Bangladesh, captured this fascinating scene showing ducks crossing the Bangali River in Sirajgonj, Bangladesh. He explained: 'In January, one of the most beautiful natural shows happens in this place. Lots of migratory birds, just like the ducks pictured here, come from the mountainous regions to rest. Lots of people come here to enjoy the show and enjoy the beauty of nature in silence'

Sharwar Apo, from Bangladesh, captured this fascinating scene showing ducks crossing the Bangali River in Sirajgonj, Bangladesh. He explained: ‘In January, one of the most beautiful natural shows happens in this place. Lots of migratory birds, just like the ducks pictured here, come from the mountainous regions to rest. Lots of people come here to enjoy the show and enjoy the beauty of nature in silence’

French photographer Ghislain Fave used a drone to capture this serene scene of a natural spring in Jalapão State Park, Brazil. He said: 'The Fervedouros of Jalapão are unique natural springs located in a quite arid area: they are like an oasis in the desert. The water pressure is very high, forming a lot of bubbles that make you float and prevent you from sinking. Only a drone shot could capture the ethereal feeling of floating in those amazing natural hot tubs'

French photographer Ghislain Fave used a drone to capture this serene scene of a natural spring in Jalapão State Park, Brazil. He said: ‘The Fervedouros of Jalapão are unique natural springs located in a quite arid area: they are like an oasis in the desert. The water pressure is very high, forming a lot of bubbles that make you float and prevent you from sinking. Only a drone shot could capture the ethereal feeling of floating in those amazing natural hot tubs’

This incredible image was taken by Spanish photographer Jordi Sark while travelling around Indonesia. He called the picture 'Nature's Greatness in all of its Glory'

A stunning image by Ester Turri from Italy of a dawn landscape in the Italian Dolomites, taken during a road trip. She said: 'This photo is proof that you should always enjoy the journey and not simply think of your destination'

On the left is an incredible image taken by Spanish photographer Jordi Sark while travelling around Indonesia. He called the picture ‘Nature’s Greatness in all of its Glory’. On the right is a stunning image by Ester Turri from Italy of a dawn landscape in the Italian Dolomites, taken during a road trip. She said: ‘This photo is proof that you should always enjoy the journey and not simply think of your destination’

This jaw-dropping image was taken in Indonesia by Indonesian photographer Muhammad Ridwan. He called the photo 'The real Heroes'

This jaw-dropping image was taken in Indonesia by Indonesian photographer Muhammad Ridwan. He called the photo ‘The real Heroes’ 

An awe-inspiring shot captured by British photographer Jonny Rogers at the Tumpak Sewu waterfall on East Java, Indonesia. He said: 'East Java is the most incredible place I've ever been and this is the most impressive waterfall I've ever seen. It stretches all around you and is simply massive. It puts how small you truly are compared to nature into perspective!'

An image by Canadian photographer Blake Hobson showing the dramatic Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali. He explained: 'The majestic Sekumpul Waterfall is surrounded by amazing lush foliage. As there were a lot of people at the base of the waterfall, I wandered off from the crowds and found a beautiful frame that shows Mother Nature in her most beautiful raw state'

On the left is an awe-inspiring shot captured by British photographer Jonny Rogers at the Tumpak Sewu waterfall on East Java, Indonesia. He said: ‘East Java is the most incredible place I’ve ever been and this is the most impressive waterfall I’ve ever seen. It stretches all around you and is simply massive. It puts how small you truly are compared to nature into perspective!’ On the right is an image by Canadian photographer Blake Hobson showing the dramatic Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali. He explained: ‘The majestic Sekumpul Waterfall is surrounded by amazing lush foliage. As there were a lot of people at the base of the waterfall, I wandered off from the crowds and found a beautiful frame that shows Mother Nature in her most beautiful raw state’

Bachir Badaoui, from the United States, was in Arenal National Park, Costa Rica, when he came across this red-eyed tree frog. He said: 'Typically, the red-eyed tree frogs sleep during the day and are very active at night. However, this little cutie was very much awake, energetic and playful in the late afternoon. For a moment, we were both curious about exploring each other's existence and it was comfortable enough to peek through the leaves for a closer look'

Bachir Badaoui, from the United States, was in Arenal National Park, Costa Rica, when he came across this red-eyed tree frog. He said: ‘Typically, the red-eyed tree frogs sleep during the day and are very active at night. However, this little cutie was very much awake, energetic and playful in the late afternoon. For a moment, we were both curious about exploring each other’s existence and it was comfortable enough to peek through the leaves for a closer look’

Nika Pailodze, from Georgia, took this stunning image in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. He called the picture 'Through the Window'

Nika Pailodze, from Georgia, took this stunning image in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. He called the picture ‘Through the Window’

Belgian photographer Frank Meulemans took this sombre shot of the Douaumont Ossuary cemetery in Douaumont, France. He said: 'The Battle of Verdun was one of the bloodiest battles that occurred during the First World War. A total of 263,000 soldiers lost their lives there. With its well-organised graves and lavish green patches, the cemetery stands in big contrast to the cruel battle. Through my photo, I want to convey respect and dignity but also the rejection of violence and war'

Belgian photographer Frank Meulemans took this sombre shot of the Douaumont Ossuary cemetery in Douaumont, France. He said: ‘The Battle of Verdun was one of the bloodiest battles that occurred during the First World War. A total of 263,000 soldiers lost their lives there. With its well-organised graves and lavish green patches, the cemetery stands in big contrast to the cruel battle. Through my photo, I want to convey respect and dignity but also the rejection of violence and war’

This striking image was captured by Dutch photographer Max Buiting in the Netherlands. He named the image 'Oh Deer'

This striking image was captured by Dutch photographer Max Buiting in the Netherlands. He named the image ‘Oh Deer’

Austrian photographer Sebastian Burziwal was on a road trip with friends through western Austria when he came across this beautiful boathouse. He said: 'When we passed this boathouse I instantly had this minimal shot in mind and tried to take it. It started to rain but this did not stop us from getting out of the car and trying our luck!'

Austrian photographer Sebastian Burziwal was on a road trip with friends through western Austria when he came across this beautiful boathouse. He said: ‘When we passed this boathouse I instantly had this minimal shot in mind and tried to take it. It started to rain but this did not stop us from getting out of the car and trying our luck!’

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Indonesia shown in a mesmerising sunrise scene captured by Dutch photographer Michelle Wandering. She said: 'These terraces are normally packed with tourists. If you go there in bright daylight, you won't find a spot to photograph it without anyone in the background. However, if you go there for sunrise, you will be pleased with what you see'

Australian photographer Jan Meyer travelled to Bali in order to snap this incredible picture of sunlight coming through the trees. He explained: 'Take me back to Bali! Fleeting moments of light through the treetops made this place so magical'

On the left are the Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Indonesia shown in a mesmerising sunrise scene captured by Dutch photographer Michelle Wandering. She said: ‘These terraces are normally packed with tourists. If you go there in bright daylight, you won’t find a spot to photograph it without anyone in the background. However, if you go there for sunrise, you will be pleased with what you see.’ On the right is an incredible image by Australian photographer Jan Meyer that shows sunlight coming through the trees. He explained: ‘Take me back to Bali! Fleeting moments of light through the treetops made this place so magical’

The overall winning image - by Bangladeshi photographer Asaf-Ud-Daula. He snapped it in Akkelpur in the district of Joypurhat in Bangladesh. He explained: 'It was a sunny day and I had planned to go take some photos. I spotted this boy plucking flowers and just a few moments later the rain started to pour down. He had the biggest and purest smile on his face and didn't seem to be bothered at all. To me, happiness is one of the outcomes of proper faith. Faith brings you confidence, and confidence gives you energy. And when you feel the energy, you smile unconsciously.' As well as earning the title of #Green2020 Hero, he also scoops $1,000 in prize money

The overall winning image – by Bangladeshi photographer Asaf-Ud-Daula. He snapped it in Akkelpur in the district of Joypurhat in Bangladesh. He explained: ‘It was a sunny day and I had planned to go take some photos. I spotted this boy plucking flowers and just a few moments later the rain started to pour down. He had the biggest and purest smile on his face and didn’t seem to be bothered at all. To me, happiness is one of the outcomes of proper faith. Faith brings you confidence, and confidence gives you energy. And when you feel the energy, you smile unconsciously.’ As well as earning the title of #Green2020 Hero, he also scoops $1,000 in prize money

For more on Agora visit agoraimages.prowly.com. 

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