Introduction
'Winter Magic' is a global online photo contest hosted by cizucu, open to any creator registered with cizucu. The contest aims to curate outstanding works from the entries, discover new talents as a platform, and support the community.
This contest's theme is ‘Winter Magic’. It is a photo contest held during the exciting season where even the smallest moments can become special when touched by winter's magic.
In this photo contest, participants captured the unique beauty and mystery of winter through images of snowflakes dancing in the cold wind, frost patterns, or landscapes wrapped in warm lights.
We also welcomed official curators natsu and sukko, who selected the winning works. Please check out their interview articles as well.
Now, let's introduce the entries and the winning works.
Entry Showcase
Image by the Oji brown
the Oji brown
‘The Last Ginkgo, Spider's Prank’
📷 SONY | ILCE-7M4
cizucu Editorial Team
This photo captures the moment just before the last ginkgo leaf falls. It beautifully expresses the transience and beauty of the transition from autumn to winter. The fallen leaves of winter remind us that nothing is permanent.
Image by mako
mako
‘Snowman’
📷 Canon EOS R6
cizucu Editorial Team
This photo captures the 'Kachi Daruma' at Katsuo-ji in Osaka. The daruma, symbolizing perseverance, seems to be quietly waiting for its chance amidst the harsh winter.
Image by maybeeeem
maybeeeem
‘Snowy Toji’
📷 NIKON Z 6
cizucu Editorial Team
This photo captures the illuminated Toji Temple. Once a historical stage, Toji quietly exudes solitude and elegance amidst the snow's whiteness and the warmth of the lights. Its mystical appearance is as if it has stepped out of a fairy tale, captivating the viewer's heart.
Winning Works
Selected by natsu
Image by Hayato Sato
Hayato Sato
‘Jewelry Ice’
📷 NIKON Z 7_2
natsu's Comment
The beautiful landscape and the flow of seawater create an artistic shape in this stunning work. Jewelry ice is ice washed ashore, polished by waves to become clear like crystal. The transparent ice glistens like jewels in the sunlight.
This is a landscape photo I wanted to capture. I planned to visit Hokkaido in early February this year, but due to global warming, I couldn't see it. I learned that pouring hot water on the ice can enhance its shine when photographing jewelry ice. It requires not just taking photos but also luck and preparation for the journey.
This work truly deserves to be called Winter Magic. I imagine it was a challenging shoot in the extreme cold. It was a landscape photo I wanted to capture, and the flow of seawater was captivating, so I selected it.
Selected by sukko
Image by Hayato Sato
Hayato Sato
‘Light Pillar’
sukko's Comment
A single Christmas tree stands dignified in the pure white snowfield. The countless beams of light in the night sky resemble a natural illumination, making it a perfect representation of Winter Magic.
The fantastical light pillars, known as 'light pillars,' are a rare meteorological phenomenon where ice crystals in the air reflect light, creating vertical beams. It must have been a breathtaking moment for the photographer.
I chose this photo not only for its beauty but also because it allows us to imagine the photographer's envisioned composition. Based on extensive information and experience, I can envision the photographer walking through the snow with anticipation in the extreme cold.
The reward of encountering nature's gift through the dedication to capturing a single shot is the greatest delight of landscape photography.
In Conclusion
What did you think?
Seeing all the entries, it seems that ‘Winter Magic’ might be the imagination that resides between humans and nature. The imagination stirred by the winter season drives the impulse to capture 'that moment.' It was wonderful to share this once-in-a-lifetime winter with all of you.
Let's look forward to the new season ahead and meet again!
cover image by Hayato Sato
