Introduction
‘Winter Magic’ is a global online photo contest organized by cizucu, open to any creator registered on cizucu. Outstanding submissions are curated from among the entries, with the aim of discovering new talent as a platform and supporting the community as a whole.
This edition’s theme was <Winter Magic>. The contest was held during this exciting season when even the smallest moments can become special under winter’s spell.
In this photo contest, participants captured the unique beauty and mystery of winter—snowflakes dancing in the cold wind, patterns of frost, or landscapes enveloped in warm light.
We also welcomed official curators natsu and sukko, who selected the award-winning works. Be sure to check out their interview features as well.
Now, let us introduce the submissions and the selected works.
Showcase of Submissions
Image by the Oji brown
the Oji brown
“The Last Ginkgo, Spider’s Prank”
📷 SONY | ILCE-7M4
cizucu Editorial Team
This photograph captures the moment just before the last ginkgo leaf falls. It beautifully expresses the transience and beauty of the changing seasons from autumn to winter. The fallen leaves of winter remind us that nothing lasts forever.
Image by mako
mako
“Snow Daruma”
📷 Canon EOS R6
cizucu Editorial Team
This shot captures the ‘Kachi Daruma’ at Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka. The daruma, symbolizing perseverance, appears to be quietly waiting for its moment of victory amid the harsh winter.
Image by maybeeeem
maybeeeem
“Snowy To-ji Temple”
📷 NIKON Z 6
cizucu Editorial Team
This photograph captures To-ji Temple illuminated at night. Once a stage for history, To-ji exudes a quiet sense of melancholy and elegance amidst the white snow and warm lights. Its mystical presence is as if it has stepped out of a folktale, captivating the viewer’s heart.
Selected Works
Selected by natsu
Image by 佐藤 勇人
佐藤 勇人
“Jewelry Ice”
📷 NIKON Z 7_2
natsu's Comment
This is a beautiful work capturing jewelry ice at dawn, with the flow of seawater creating an artistic shape. Jewelry ice refers to ice that has washed up on the shore. As it is tossed by the waves, its edges are smoothed, becoming crystal-clear like glass. When sunlight hits the transparent ice, it sparkles like a gemstone.
This is a landscape photograph I also wanted to capture. I had planned to visit Hokkaido in early February this year, but due to the effects of global warming, I was unable to see it. I learned that when photographing jewelry ice, pouring hot water over the ice can enhance its brilliance. I realized that not only photography, but also luck and preparation for the journey are necessary.
This work truly embodies what we call Winter Magic. I imagine it was a challenging shoot in the extreme cold. It is a landscape I wanted to photograph myself, and the flow of seawater is particularly captivating, which is why I selected this work.
Selected by sukko
Image by 佐藤 勇人
佐藤 勇人
“Light Pillar”
sukko's Comment
A single Christmas tree stands dignified on a pure white snowfield. The countless beams of light shining in the night sky evoke the image of nature’s own illumination—truly a work befitting Winter Magic.
The fantastical columns of light, known as ‘light pillars,’ are a rare meteorological phenomenon caused by the reflection of light off ice crystals in the air. It must have been a moving moment for the photographer.
The reason I selected this photograph is not only for its beauty, but also because it allows us to imagine the thought process behind the composition. Based on a wealth of information and experience, you can envision the photographer walking through the snow in the extreme cold, filled with anticipation.
The greatest appeal of landscape photography is the reward of encountering such a gift of nature, made possible by the passion invested in a single shot.
In Closing
We hope you enjoyed this feature.
Reflecting on the many submissions, it seems that ‘Winter Magic’ may refer to the imagination that resides between humanity and nature. The inspiration stirred by the winter season drives the impulse to capture the moment. We are truly grateful to have shared this once-in-a-lifetime winter with you all.
We look forward to the arrival of the next season—see you again soon!
cover image by 佐藤 勇人