The contest, organised by the Finnish Nature Photographers Association, selected Paananen's shot of a rock ptarmigan, taken at Saana fell in Enontekiö, Lapland. His title of his photo translates roughly as "Ptarmigan at the End of the World".
The contest jury said the photograph was skilfully executed and also commented in particular about the soft light which contrasts with the barren landscape.
This year marks the 36th time the Nature Photographers Association has organised the contest. There are eight categories of the competition, with a winner and runner-up in each category.
More than 900 photographers submitted over 13,000 photos to the competition, some of which will be on display at exhibitions around the country.
A collection of all the winning photographs can be viewed at the Nature Photographers Association's website.