Cover image by masakun
Your Signature Bokeh
'Your Signature Bokeh' is a global online photo contest organized by cizucu, open to any creator registered with cizucu. The contest aims to curate outstanding works from submissions, discover new talents as a platform, and support the community.
Do you know the English word 'bokeh'? This term finds beauty in the blurred areas outside the lens's focal range and is a technique you may know as 'bokeh'. 'Bokeh' is a universal term, and it was first used in Western camera magazines in the 1990s to describe the quality of lens blur. Since then, 'bokeh' has become a well-established photographic term.
This time, with the theme of ‘Bokeh’, we want to explore with you the concept of 'bokeh', which we Japanese have long appreciated in lenses. Whether it's front bokeh, rear bokeh, circular bokeh, or swirl bokeh, any technique is welcome.
Capture your unique motifs in your own rhythm through the lens. We look forward to seeing your 'bokeh'.
Inspiration
Image by masakun
masakun
📷 NIKON CORPORATION NIKON D700
cizucu Editorial Team
This photo fits the 'rear bokeh' category, where the foreground subject is highlighted by blurring the background. However, the photographer intentionally blurred the background subject, creating a sense of discomfort that paradoxically emphasizes the main subject. This intentional discomfort may inspire various imaginations in viewers.
Image by RYUURI
RYUURI
While shooting, a black-headed gull came close, 'No shrimp crackers!' (laughs). The photo was taken at the moat of Nagoya Castle, where many black-headed gulls gather in winter.
📷 SONY DSC-RX10M4
cizucu Editorial Team
This humorous shot captures the charm of 'bokeh' playing with front and back layers. The gull boldly walks in the foreground, while the gulls in the background look in different directions. To me, this composition feels like a documentary cut focusing on a single gull.
Image by 洞然
洞然
📷 Panasonic DC-S1
cizucu Editorial Team
This photo feels like stepping into the photographer's world. The 'bokeh' guides the view, creating a layer in the foreground that makes you feel part of the scene, drawing you in.
Image by Yukihiro
Yukihiro
Spring Breeze
📷 SONY ILCE-7C
cizucu Editorial Team
The swirling 'bokeh' effect achieved with an old lens. By shooting in monochrome, color information is stripped away, allowing you to fully immerse in the lens's effect. I was captivated by the photographer's perspective, finding fantasy in the ordinary world.
Image by aya
aya
cizucu Editorial Team
Among the many photos posted daily, this photographer's flower-themed photo stood out. Elevating everyday flowers to a stage, the work captivates and stops the viewer's gaze, showcasing the photographer's skill.
Contest Information
[Contest Period]
Saturday, August 24, 2024 – Wednesday, October 9, 2024
[Award Announcement]
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
[Reward]
Amazon Gift Card worth 5000 yen (1 winner)
[How to Enter]
・Select the contest 'Your Signature Bokeh'
・Tap 'Agree to the terms and submit'
・Select the content to submit your work
[Judging Criteria]
(1) Thematic Relevance: Does it align with the stated mission?
(2) Subject Matter: Does the intent of the photographer come across?
(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 location or subject?
