Unforgettable Memories of Landscapes | ISSUE #20

‘ISSUE’ explores the sensibilities and perspectives of creators worldwide, serving as a source of new inspiration. In ‘ISSUE #20’, we interviewed yanma222 and yasufumi, who serve as official curators for the cizucu-hosted photo contest ‘Landscape Treasures’, about their unforgettable memories of landscapes.

As the announcement of the contest awards approaches on December 27, 2023, we take a closer look at the formative experiences of these two curators, whose personal connections to the theme ‘landscapes like treasures’ are profound.

Everyday scenes—flowers and blue skies in the viewfinder, inorganic buildings, bicycles parked by the roadside, or the interplay of light and shadow—were all fresh to me when I first visited the Takeda Castle Ruins in Hyogo Prefecture, at a time when my knowledge of photography was still limited. The sea of clouds I witnessed there became an unforgettable landscape, a treasure in my memory.

On my very first attempt to photograph the sea of clouds, as the sun rose, a vast sea of clouds spread at my feet, glowing orange. I still vividly remember the excitement when a local staff member said, “This is the best sea of clouds this year.”
When we encounter a landscape so beautiful it leaves us speechless, it is unconsciously etched into our memory, and no matter how much time passes, we can recall it. Not only the scenery itself, but also the scent, the temperature, the gentle chill of the wind, and even the birdsong from that moment remain clear in my mind.

Landscapes encountered while traveling are extraordinary, but they become treasures only after returning to everyday life.

That’s why, when judging, I focused on expressive power, composition, balance, and originality, in addition to thematic and subject relevance. Photography is not just about visuals; it is a means of conveying emotion and narrative. It is important that the theme and subject are embedded in the photograph and that the work communicates something to the viewer. I also valued composition and balance, and judged whether the photograph possessed a unique originality that set it apart from others.

One of the most memorable moments for me was encountering the landscape stretching from Kuju to Aso during a visit to Kyushu. The grandeur was so overwhelming, it was hard to believe I was still in Japan—I was instantly captivated. That memory remains vivid, and I make it a point to return to Kuju and Aso at least once a year to reconnect with those beautiful landscapes. Such personal experiences imbue photographs with deep emotion and narrative.

There is a certain dedication in photographs that convey the awe of a landscape that instantly captivates the viewer. For example, the fleeting quality of light.

This time, in selecting photographs, I placed particular emphasis on technical skill and the handling of light. I carefully considered composition to highlight the beauty of the moment and paid close attention to the use of light. I also judged whether the image captured a unique landscape or event that could only be witnessed at that particular moment.

How do you feel? From this very moment, don’t you feel inspired to seek out the beautiful landscapes your heart envisions and set out on a journey? 2023 is drawing to a close. Through cizucu, please share your precious memories and beautiful landscapes from 2023. Let’s look back together on the treasured moments of this year.

We also look forward to the announcement of the ‘Landscape Treasures’ awards on December 27, 2023!