cizucu Presents “Still, Surely Warm” | Challenge #413

Still, Surely Warm is a global online photo contest hosted by cizucu and open to all creators registered on cizucu. We curate outstanding entries to discover new talent and support photographers as a community.

This time, the theme is A Patch of Sunlight.

Autumn leaves glowing in warm colors beneath the fall sun.
A kind word from someone, or a hand gently reaching out to help.

Everyday life is full of things that slowly warm the heart, like a patch of sunlight.

It may not be a powerful light that shows us where to go or gives us the answer. But its gentle warmth can ease a tense heart and help us look ahead again, even if only a little.

Show us a scene that warmed your heart or an act of kindness from someone you care about.
Capture your own irreplaceable patch of sunlight in a photo and share it with us.

Yuya

📷 FUJIFILM GFX 50R

cizucu editorial team
One look at the cat’s expression is enough to make you smile. The relaxed cat and the gentle hand cradling it convey a deep sense of trust and comfort. They may not share a language, but their connection is plain to see. It’s a photo that seems to wrap the viewer in the same tenderness.

ラム
2022, physical touch

📷 FUJIFILM X-Pro2

cizucu editorial team
We may not know the circumstances or what was said, but the care expressed through that hand comes across immediately. The tenderness of this quiet touch feels like a patch of sunlight for the heart. You can sense a love and trust beyond words living in this moment. The stillness of the black-and-white image makes its warmth stand out even more.

oku yuuka
An apple delivery.

📷 FUJIFILM X-T4

cizucu editorial team
This photo invites us to imagine who sent the apples, the relationship between the two people, and the feelings behind the gift. The apples are carefully arranged, and the small differences between them make each one feel special. The strong contrast between light and shadow immediately catches the eye. Their deep reds seem to hold warmth inside them, leaving a gentle glow that lingers. It’s a quiet reminder that tenderness can be found not only on special occasions, but in the familiar details of everyday life.

うめこ
Rolling around just like big brother.

📷 SONY α7 III

cizucu editorial team
The children roll around on the grass, soaking up the warm weather from head to toe. The sight is so sweet that you can’t help but smile—it feels like a patch of sunlight in itself. You can almost feel the pleasant atmosphere around them. Full of warmth, this photo lets the simple happiness of an ordinary day slowly sink in.

海
That’s only one of the faces he shows you

cizucu editorial team
Golden flecks of light scatter across the waves at dusk. Even the water’s delicate, ever-changing movement comes through with remarkable clarity. Just imagining the gentle rhythm of the waves is enough to help the mind unwind. There is both tenderness and strength here, as if the warm sunlight and shimmer were quietly encouraging us to keep moving toward tomorrow.

【Entry period】
Saturday, September 19–Sunday, October 18, 2026

【Winners announced】
Around Wednesday, October 28, 2026

【Prize】
Free admission to the cizucu photo poster project for two winners

【How to enter】
・Select the Still, Surely Warm contest
・Tap “Agree to the entry rules and post”
・Choose what you would like to post and submit your photo

【Judging criteria】
(1) Relevance: Does the photo respond to the stated challenge?
(2) Subject: Does the photo clearly convey what the photographer wants to express and their intent?
(3) Expression: Does the photo make effective use of perspective, composition, balance, focus, color, and other visual elements?
(4) Timing: Has the photographer captured the right moment?
(5) Originality: Does the photo take an original approach to the location, subject, or other elements?