Zenkyoan × cizucu『Capture your Emotion』| Challenge #8

'Capture your Emotion' is a global online photography contest, open to all creators registered with cizucu, in collaboration with Zenkyoan. Outstanding submissions will be curated from the entries, with the aim of discovering new talent and supporting the community as a platform.

This edition's jury consists of Zenkyoan's chief priest, Masamune Uematsu—who is also a filmmaker and former photography instructor at an art university in Kyoto—and the cizucu team.

Zenkyoan is a Zen temple located in Higashiyama, Kyoto. The temple enshrines Marishiten, widely revered for bestowing good fortune and victory, and is counted among the 'Three Great Marishiten Temples of Japan.' In recent years, Zenkyoan has hosted live events, contemporary art exhibitions, and picture book displays, earning recognition as a temple open to the performing and visual arts.

The theme of this contest is 'Expression of Emotion.' The Japanese word for photography, 'shashin,' literally means 'to copy the truth.' At times, photography can express emotions that cannot be fully articulated in words.

We look forward to seeing photographs that capture your own emotions. Through images that convey your unique narrative—beyond conventional standards of beauty—we aim to explore the possibilities inherent in photography as a medium for 'capturing truth.'


【A Message from Chief Priest Uematsu of Zenkyoan】
Thank you for your interest in this contest. The idea of 'expressing your emotions through photography' was born from my experience as a university instructor, where I constantly reflected on how to face my inner self and express it.
People are moved by the objects and scenery before them, prompting them to raise their camera and press the shutter. Of course, the moment is preserved in the photograph, but simply taking a picture does not communicate the emotion of that moment to others. What I hope you will capture this time is not just beautiful scenery or objects, nor is it a photograph taken for the sake of receiving 'likes.' The human heart possesses a rich gradation of emotions that cannot be fully expressed or conveyed in words.
With the live view function available on most modern cameras and smartphones, I encourage you to use your camera as an instrument—be honest with your emotions and express yourself freely.

【Contest Period】
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 – Saturday, June 10, 2023

【Exhibition Dates】
Saturday, July 22, 2023 – Sunday, July 23, 2023

【How to Submit】

• Select the contest 'Capture your Emotion'
• Tap 'Agree to the submission guidelines and post'
• Select your content and submit your work