Cover photo by sho sato
Introduction
'Blurred Moments' is a global online photo contest hosted by cizucu, open to any creators registered on the platform. The contest curates outstanding entries to discover new talents and support the community as a whole.
The theme for this contest was ‘blur’.
When taking photos, we often aim for sharp and clear images. However, the 'blur' created by missed focus, subject movement, or camera shake holds a unique charm.
Light streaks flow, colors blend, and shapes dissolve. This ambiguity reflects the wavering of memories and emotions, as well as the passage of time.
Now, let us introduce the submissions and the winning entries.
Submissions
Photo by Sofu Yoshida
Sofu Yoshida
As the sun sets and night begins, the lights of surrounding buildings, restaurants, and objects illuminate. A street performance starts, bringing a different kind of energy compared to the daytime.
The large bridge ahead lights up, and fireworks are launched from a sightseeing boat.
📷 FUJIFILM X-E4
cizucu Editorial Team
The red letters placed on the sandy beach and the people passing by in front of them. The slight motion blur captures the buzz of twilight and the flow of time. This piece beautifully overlaps the fleeting everyday life with a momentary landscape.
Photo by miko
miko
Underwater photography
📷 FUJIFILM X100VI
cizucu Editorial Team
The figure of a person surrendering to the water's surface is softly blurred and blends in. The indistinct outlines create a mysterious stillness, like the boundary between dream and reality, leaving a deep impression.
Photo by Nissan
Nissan
Slowing the shutter speed to capture a machine speeding at hundreds of kilometers per hour. The rain kicked up by the engine's reverse thrust adds a nice accent.
📷 NIKON D5300
cizucu Editorial Team
A plane racing down the runway at night. The flowing light trails and the captured blur vividly depict the sense of speed. This is a powerful piece that captures the motion itself.
Winning Entries
Photo by R°
R°
Water surface
📷 SONY α7 IV
cizucu Editorial Team
The patterns of light reflected on the water's surface sway and take on an abstract, painting-like expression due to the blur. The rhythm created by the accidental movement conveys the freedom and fragility of water. This is a beautiful piece that captures the natural beauty revealed in a fleeting moment.
Photo by sho sato
sho sato
Silhouette
📷 Canon EOS Kiss X7
cizucu Editorial Team
A monochrome portrait where the human silhouette dissolves into a blur. Amid the indistinct face and figure, the ambiguity of emotions and memories emerges. This quiet yet powerful piece reflects the inner world of each viewer.
In Conclusion
What did you think?
The works submitted under the theme of ‘blur’ beautifully captured the ambiguity and passage of time hidden in everyday life.
From the evening scenery blending city lights and human movement, to bodies merging with the water's surface, and the light trails depicting the speed of a racing airplane, each piece expressed something that cannot be seen in sharply focused photos. The interplay of chance and intention in the expression of 'blur' showcased new possibilities in photography.
Sometimes, what is not fully visible conveys the most. We look forward to encountering your new moments in the next theme.
