Introduction
'Listen Closely' 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 talents as a platform and support the community.
The theme for this contest was 'Listen Closely.'
As the vibrant seasons pass, light and sound gently fade away. Yet, even in this stillness, there are sounds that remain unspoken.
When you listen closely, the world always speaks softly to you. Through your unique perspective, you captured the sounds and sensations that resonate in the quiet moments.
How do invisible 'sounds' echo in a photograph? Let us now introduce the submissions and award-winning works.
Submissions
Photo by ゆーえぬ
ゆーえぬ
📷 FUJIFILM XT-5
cizucu Editorial Team
A serene landscape of the sky reflected on the water and gently standing grass. Though visually quiet, the swaying grass and the presence of water suggest the existence of invisible sounds. This photograph invites you to listen closely, evoking the sound of water and the path of the wind, drawing attention to the fleeting moments of nature.
Photo by Yosuke0312
Yosuke0312
'Festival'
📷 NIKON D750
cizucu Editorial Team
Against the backdrop of a sunset sky, people stand atop a festival float. While their expressions are obscured by the backlight, the photo evokes the sounds of chants, drums, and the surrounding buzz. Though visually still, the image conveys the heat and rhythm of the festival, making you feel as if you can hear the vibrant energy of the moment.
Photo by N N
N N
cizucu Editorial Team
An elephant stands quietly, peering through a door's gap. The monochrome tones emphasize the texture of its skin and the weight of its body, conveying a sense of tension in the silent space. Though seemingly devoid of sound, the moment captured carries an unspoken presence and the sound of silence, making you want to listen closely to the stillness.
Award-Winning Works
Photo by ozaki kazu
ozaki kazu
'Until We Meet Again. A farewell to a small island, with colorful tapes thrown from the ferry to the port, the dry sound of paper fluttering in the wind, and everyone's cheers.'
📷 PENTAX K-1 Mark II
cizucu Editorial Team
Under the blue sky, colorful tapes flutter in the wind as people reach out to them. The movement across the frame evokes the sound of tapes brushing together and the sensation of the wind. The expansive sky and human gestures combine to create an impression of feeling sound not just visually but physically, conveying a lighthearted and positive sense of sound's presence.
Photo by takaomikim
takaomikim
📷 FUJIFILM SP-3000
cizucu Editorial Team
Through a half-open door, a figure quietly listens to a phone call. At the boundary between outside and inside, light and shadow, the nuances of voice, breath, and the passage of time through the receiver emerge. Even the silence between conversations feels palpable, making this everyday scene resonate with the presence of sound in stillness.
Closing Remarks
What did you think?
From the subtle hints of sound in silence to the vibrant energy of bustling moments, and even the resonance within silence itself, this contest brought together various 'forms of sound.' The gentle sway of nature, the heat of festivals, the tension of exchanged gazes, and the lingering echoes of wind and water—each work invited us to imagine and feel sound.
By focusing on the unseen, we rediscover the depth of photography and our own senses. This contest offered a rich experience of shared perspectives and creativity.
We look forward to hosting more photo contests with themes that open up your senses. We can't wait to see the unique perspectives you'll capture next time!