Yvonne Schüttoff from Miltitz has won the annual photography contest in the Lommatzsch Pflege region with a compelling image capturing everyday rural life. Her winning photograph features a man in work clothes surrounded by sheep, perfectly encapsulating the essence of agricultural life in the area. During a recent walk through the Triebisch Valley, Schüttoff shared with reporters the inspiring story behind her award-winning photograph and her deep connection to the local landscape.

Schüttoff's journey into photography began two years ago as a form of escapism from the overwhelming pace of modern life. "I thought to myself, cut, I just need to look again at the little things that bring joy," she explained. "This whole higher, faster, further mentality was too much for me." Instead of chasing grand achievements, she decided to focus on capturing the simple beauty that surrounded her daily life, using her camera as a tool for mindfulness and appreciation.

The hobby photographer emphasized how people often overlook the small details that make life beautiful. "There are so many beautiful little things that we far too often overlook and forget," Schüttoff reflected. "We rush through the city, we rush through the Christmas market, and in doing so we miss all the small details." Her photography became a deliberate practice of slowing down and documenting these overlooked moments, creating a visual diary of everyday wonder in her rural community.

As Schüttoff's photography skills developed, her work began gaining recognition within her local community. The positive response from friends and neighbors encouraged her to share her images with a broader audience. This led to exhibitions at venues such as the Schiffchen in Meißen and a special display during the wine festival at the Prälatenhaus. "And then I got the tip: Yvonne, there's a beautiful photography contest, just show it," she recalled about her decision to enter the regional competition.

Initially hesitant about participating in the contest, Schüttoff eventually decided to submit three photographs to the competition organizers. Among these submissions was her eventual winning image. "I quickly had the motif in my head," she explained. "For me, it represents exactly what the Lommatzsch Pflege means to me – agriculture, animals, and the people who work with them." The photograph perfectly captures the harmony between human activity and rural life that defines the region.

The contest jury was impressed both by Schüttoff's artistic vision and her technical execution. Markus Göldner from the Regional Development Office, which was involved in organizing the competition, praised the photograph's composition. "With animal photography, it's often the case that something doesn't fit," he noted. "But here all the proportions were right, yes, everything was just right with the animals." He also highlighted how the clarity and authenticity of the everyday scene contributed to its appeal.

During her walk through the countryside, Schüttoff expressed profound pride in her homeland and its diverse offerings. "Our whole area that we have here," she said enthusiastically. "We have everything from fields to forests, culture, and beautiful churches." She pointed to the beautifully renovated market square in Lommatzsch as an example of local treasures. "I think sometimes we don't need to travel so far away. Everything here is so beautiful, and sometimes we don't really know how to appreciate it properly."

In a heartwarming revelation, Schüttoff disclosed a personal detail about her winning photograph that added even more meaning to her victory. The man featured in the award-winning image, surrounded by sheep in his work clothes, is none other than her own partner. This intimate connection between the photographer and her subject matter demonstrates how Schüttoff's art emerges from her genuine love for her community and the people who shape it. The story behind the photograph transforms it from a simple rural scene into a tender portrait of personal and place-based identity, perfectly embodying the contest's theme of capturing everyday life in the Lommatzsch Pflege region.