At the beginning of the year, it’s always interesting to look back. I am sharing regularly my photos in Instagram and the Top 9 list is based on Instagram. These are the photos viewed the most on my feed (@mindy_jac) during last year.

The choice reflects what matters most to me: animals, birds, landscapes, and small details in nature. Each image holds a moment, a mood, and often a lot of patience behind it. Here are my most popular photos of 2025 – and the stories behind them.

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TOP 1 – A Young Female Golden Eagle

In early September 2025, I spent a day in Kuusamo at the Kuusamo Nature Photography hide. I go there every year to photograph Golden Eagles. This time two Golden eagles were visible in the sky, but none of them seemed interested in landing. I started to wonder if this encounter would remain distant this time.

After eight hours of waiting, patience was rewarded. A pair of eagles arrived. The male landed to feed. Meanwhile, the young female stayed perched in a tree and watched attentively. Her gaze was both majestic and intense, one of those moments that truly makes you stop.

BTW, here is link to my post of Kuusamo trip this year.

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TOP 2 – Frosted Cow Parsley

Vintage lenses are a world of their own for me. Each lens feels like it has its own personality, and you have to learn how to work with it. Close-ups are only possible with extension tubes, and then sharpness often turns into something more dreamlike.

But who really needs perfect sharpness when the mood is right? 😄
This image was taken in a frosty field in late October with a Pentacon 135/2.8 lens. Softness is part of the story.

Have you photographed with vintage lenses? I am eager to hear your experience of them.

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TOP 3 – Dawn Glow at Luutalampi

The alarm went off around three in the morning. This is every time too early fo me. But you have to wake up to get the target early enough. The drive from the cottage to Luutalampi is over 70 kilometres. When I reached the shore and saw this view, time seemed to stop. I focused only on photographing the scene in front of me, and it was worth it.
(Instagram 20 Aug 2025)

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TOP 4 – Roe Deer

When you camouflage yourself but still look suspicious. Or maybe exactly because of that, this roe deer wasn’t entirely convinced by what it saw 😅🦌

Roe deer and white-tailed deer live near our cottage, and I photographed them often during autumn. One evening, while returning to the cottage, this roe deer appeared nearby. Luckily, I had my camera in hand and managed to capture this beautiful moment.

(Instagram 27 Aug 2025)

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TOP 5 – Bear

My very first bear encounter ever (zoos don’t count) 🐻✨
Unfortunately, it was raining heavily. I decided to use the conditions to my advantage. I photographed with a slow shutter speed (1/60 s). This allowed the raindrops to blend beautifully into the bear’s fur. There were four bears present, all impressive males. The image was taken in Kuusamo in early September.

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TOP 6 – Morning Mist at Luutalampi

Waking up at 3:30 a.m. is definitely not my favorite thing. But these misty morning landscapes only exist if you actually get up and go out. 😂😂
(Instagram 24 Aug 2025)

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TOP 7 – Eurasian Nutcrackers

That’s my nut – you’re not taking it! Moments later: a serious lecture from a branch above. 🐦✨

This was my first time ever photographing nutcrackers, and I completely fell in love with them. Their expressions and gestures are full of character and little stories.
(Instagram 21 Oct 2025)

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TOP 8 – Long-leaved Sundews

In late July light, the long-leaved sundews at Luutasuo created an almost magical scene. Through the vintage lens, everything looked calm and beautiful, but reality was different. A swarm of tiny flies buzzed around me, getting into my eyes and ears.

Thankfully, a mosquito hat saved the situation. Concentration was difficult, but nature never gives easily – and always gives more than it takes. The image was taken with a Helios lens in July 2025.

(Instagram 29 Aug 2025)

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TOP 9 – Poppies and Cornflowers

Poppies and cornflowers are my favorites of the summer. This image was taken at sunset, in soft light and warm evening air. 🌿✨ Photographed with a Helios lens in August 2025.

(Instagram 14 Aug 2025)

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Final Thoughts

Looking at these images, I realise how much the year has included early mornings, long waits, patience, and small wonders. Moments rarely come easily, but that is exactly what makes them meaningful. Photography is my way of slowing down, looking more closely, and preserving moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

Which of these images stayed with you the most? Was there a moment in your own year that truly made you pause? I would like to hear more about it.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading the blog, and you’re warmly welcome to follow along here in the future as well 🤍

Happy New Year 2026!