The winning works of the Colorful Photo Contest 2023 have been decided
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Colorful Photo Contest 2023. This is Miki Uchiki from Hanahiraku.
The judging for the Colorful Photo Contest has been completed, with submissions from 22 photographers. We are pleased to announce the winning works here. (There were two photos with the highest number of votes, so we have two Gold Awards, followed by the Bronze Award.)
Congratulations to all the photographers who won!
Gold Award
Title: “Lost in the Moment, Ren-kun.”
Photographer: Tomo (@antomoan)
Model: Ren
Reason for Award:
- The child’s serious gaze captures the pure, unfiltered moment of being fully immersed and focused. It beautifully encapsulates a refreshing, pure instant. The vibrant colors evoke a sense of hope for the future. (Special Judge, Mr. Koji Mizutani)
- The intensity of the concentration is remarkable. (Guest Judge, Mr. Yuji Mitsuya)
- The serious expression feels natural and unposed. (Crowd-funding Judge)
Gold Award
Title: Kagayaki
Photographer: Minori Kurihara
Model: Kazuki
Reason for Award:
- The expression on the model’s face, as if he has understood everything, is beyond his years. This is a memorable piece that perfectly captures his true self. The angle and colors are well-chosen, and the high level of completion makes it ready for a poster with just the addition of text. (Guest Judge, Mr. SAP CHANO)
- The fresh angle of viewing the child from below, rather than above, gives a unique perspective. His round cheeks, moist lips, and the eyelids that convey a sense of purpose suggest a meditative moment. The color gradient of the background and clothing enhances the warmth of the image. (Guest Judge, Ms. Chizuru Azuma)
- By capturing the model in a static pose, the photo conveys not just his physical presence, but also the atmosphere and the surrounding space, bringing a deeper emotional resonance to the image. (Special Judge, Mr. Koji Mizutani)
Bronze Award
Title: The Gaze of Mom Reflected in Your Eyes
Photographer: Kyoko Kashi / Doa*
Model: Aoi
Reason for Award:
- The expression is simply wonderful. It’s naturally cute and unposed. The angle, the play of light, and the bokeh in the background are also lovely. It captures the classic, timeless smile. (Guest Judge: Mr. SAP CHANO)
- The pure moment of a smile shared between mother and child is beautiful and adorable. It’s truly a picture of happiness. The moment I saw this photo, I thought, “This is it.” The sparkling eyes and the overall atmosphere are captured so well. (Special Judge: Mr. Takashi Mizutani)
- The sparkling, genuine smile that comes from within, beyond the notion of disability, is what really stood out to me. I found it to be incredibly beautiful. (Crowdfunding Judge)
Chizuru Azuma Award
Title: Beyond the Smile
Photographer: Ms.Maki Ikeda
Model: Yu
Reason for Award:
Could it be that he is looking at his parents? His mischievous, playful expression conveys a great sense of reassurance. Whether he is trying to sit down from a crouching position or stand up, and what his right hand might be planning—these moments made me feel as though I was watching over him too.
Mitsuya Yuji Award
Title: To the Future! To the World! Fly Freely!
Photographer: Mr.Toshiki Miyaji
Models: Nagisa, Sumire
Reason for the Award:
The sense of dynamism captures the child’s spirit and the joy of the model, beautifully expressing their emotions.
SAP CHANO Award
Title: Always Full Power!
Photographer: Yukio Miyasaka
Model: Yuma
Reason for Award:
The moment of energy, captured as Yuma runs with total focus, is truly powerful. The hair flows perfectly, and the smile and timing align beautifully. The figure in the background is likely the mother, and her warm, watchful presence is also well conveyed in the image.