Cover image by Ryo Nakajima
Introduction
'Stories about Traveling' 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 submissions, discover new talents as a platform, and support the community.
With photographer Sawai Kenta as the official curator, this photo contest was held with the theme of 'Travel Stories'.
Travel sharpens our senses, allowing us to discover things we might usually overlook. Participants submitted scenes that evoke travel stories, such as beautiful landscapes, the kindness of locals, and delicious meals.
Now, let's announce the award-winning works selected by Sawai Kenta.
Excellence Award
Image by Renon.
Renon.
📷 SONY | ILCE-7M3
Commentary by Sawai Kenta
Upon seeing this photo, I couldn't help but sigh, 'How wonderful.' It reminded me of the beauty of a countryside sunset. The rice fields and waterways illuminated by the setting sun are stunning, with the canal stretching straight into the distance and a woman in a white dress running towards the sunset. All these elements enhance the photo's charm.
This photo evokes nostalgic scents, breezes, and even the sounds of cicadas and frogs. If I encountered such a scene, I would be deeply moved. It's a beautiful work capturing a wonderful moment.
Image by Ryo Nakajima
Ryo Nakajima
'Fireworks Display'
Commentary by Sawai Kenta
Looking at this work, memories of summer festivals came rushing back. The colorful fireworks light up the night sky, making me want to go to a summer festival right away! The woman in a yukata enhances the atmosphere of the photo, and her gaze towards the fireworks is well captured, creating a good sense of distance between herself, others, and the fireworks. The exquisite composition makes you feel as if you are there, hearing the fireworks and the cheers of people. It's a beautiful piece that captures the beauty and ephemerality of summer.
Grand Prize
Image by decomp3104
decomp3104
'Hiroshima Sunset from Mount Takao'
📷 SONY | ILCE-7RM5
Commentary by Sawai Kenta
This work beautifully captures the harmony between city and nature. The foreground features Mount Takao and hikers, with a cityscape bathed in sunset hues in the background, all arranged in perfect balance. The texture of the rock face in the foreground is well-rendered, while the city's texture is preserved, and the misty atmosphere in the distance creates a sense of depth, captivating the viewer. It feels as if you are there, and upon seeing this work, I couldn't help but exclaim, 'Wow!' The skill in capturing this moment and the emotion it conveys make it deserving of the Grand Prize, leaving a lasting impression.
In Conclusion
What did you think? Imagining travel stories from the subjects, compositions, and colors of a single photo is perhaps one of the joys of photography. I plan to continue capturing encounters and memories in photos whenever I travel.
