Cover photo by naotake_speaks
Introduction
'They are There' is a global online photo contest hosted by cizucu, open to all creators registered on the platform. The contest curates outstanding submissions to discover new talent and support the community as a whole.
This time, the theme was ‘Human Lives’.
The back of a mother cooking dinner.
A neighbor crouching in the field.
A suited figure rushing up the station stairs.
In fleeting moments, we realize:
Someone other than ourselves is quietly living their daily life.
It could be a gesture of someone close, a passing stranger, or even just traces or hints of their presence. What matters is the gaze that notices, 'They are there.'
Regardless of distance or relationship, observing these lives reminds us that we, too, live alongside others.
Now, let’s take a look at the submissions and the winning entries.
Submissions
Photo by masashi7069
masashi7069
'The Kitchen for Monks'
cizucu Editorial Team
Though it seems like a distant foreign land, the rising smoke in the kitchen and the gathered figures around the table remind us of the same human lives we share. Even in a faraway place, people share meals and live their days. This ordinary scene evokes a quiet joy.
Photo by takaomikim
takaomikim
📷 FUJIFILM SP-3000
cizucu Editorial Team
In the simple act of combing hair, we see the history of people caring for one another and weaving connections. Living means eating, sleeping, and grooming oneself. This photo captures the beauty of these fundamental acts passed down through generations.
Winning Entries
Photo by Pikanchor
Pikanchor
'A man thinking under the sunlight'
📷 NIKON D7500
cizucu Editorial Team
The back of a man facing the sunset exudes deep thought and a hint of melancholy. Sitting on a tree, his figure reflects the act of pausing in life’s journey to quietly reflect on one’s time.
Closing Remarks
What did you think?
The lives captured in each photo are someone’s daily reality, yet they also reflect our own. Whether near or far, alone or in a crowd, people are undeniably living their lives. This simple truth felt more precious than ever.
See you at the next contest!
