Cover image by ユウ3850
Illuminate Yourself
'Illuminate Yourself' is a global online photo contest hosted by cizucu, open to all creators registered with cizucu. The contest aims to curate outstanding works from submissions, discovering new talents as a platform and supporting the community.
The theme this time is 'Backlight'.
People, flowers, dogs, buildings, clouds, waves, trees, others, oneself. Everything is illuminated by light, outlines emerge, the full picture begins to appear, and existence is shaped.
It is not direct light or side light, but backlight, where the photographer faces the light head-on. Facing the light head-on also means confronting oneself. This is not an easy task.
Clear light illuminates the gloomy shadows of oneself and others, exposing everything to daylight. On the other hand, the mercy of light can strengthen the recognition of existence for both self and others. It seems as if the photographer is capturing themselves while photographing the subject.
Sun, streetlight, strobe, bonfire, the light source doesn't matter. Follow the light you trust and illuminate yourself.
We look forward to many submissions.
Inspiration
Image by ユウ3850
ユウ3850
'Light of the Tower Mansion'
📷 Canon IXY 630
cizucu Editorial Team
Morning practice for the tournament, the way home after work, dropping off and picking up at daycare, when you suddenly look up on the way, it's such a warm sunlight that seems to appreciate the daily social life. Truly a merciful light, it feels like being saved.
Image by kokokun
kokokun
'Sunset and Angel's Ladder at Tachibana Bay'
cizucu Editorial Team
A beautiful spotlight from the heavens. The light from above penetrates into one's spiritual world, creating an opportunity to reflect on oneself. This photo made me aware of my own fragility. Since I, as a viewer, felt this way, the photographer kokokun must have felt something even more strongly...
Image by ガナシー
ガナシー
'#nature'
cizucu Editorial Team
This is a mystical shot, as if shrouded in mist or lost in morning haze. It feels pastoral, like a scene seen in the arms of one's mother during childhood... Perhaps the photographer's identity flowed in fragments and intertwined with my memories.
Image by sukko
sukko
'Akitakata City, Hiroshima Prefecture'
cizucu Editorial Team
When I first saw this photo, I couldn't look at it directly. It was overflowing with such euphoria. Perhaps the photographer, sukko, is a person of great generosity and compassion. This piece made me reflect on my own spirituality. The power of light, the power of photography, is truly remarkable.
Image by gs_pilot
gs_pilot
'Christmas Tree Wood'
📷 NIKON D850
cizucu Editorial Team
A serene, utterly undisturbed, magnificent light. It cleanses the soul. Now, avoid focusing outward, and find an inner point to gaze upon... Then you will naturally pull in a strong, unwavering rope... My sensibility received it that way. Thank you.
Contest Information
[Contest Period]
August 3, 2024 (Saturday) - September 23, 2024 (Monday)
[Award Announcement]
October 7, 2024 (Monday)
[Reward]
Amazon Gift Card worth 5,000 yen (1 winner)
[How to Enter]
・Select the contest 'Illuminate Yourself'
・Tap 'Agree to Terms and Submit'
・Select the content to submit your work
[Judging Criteria]
(1) Thematic Relevance: Does it align with the stated mission?
(2) Subjectivity: What does the photo aim to convey, and is the photographer's intent clear?
(3) Expressiveness: Is there skill in perspective, composition, balance, focus, color, etc.?
(4) Moment Capture: Does it seize the shutter chance and timing of the subject?
(5) Originality: Is there unique ingenuity in the shooting location or subject?
