I was trying to think of ideas for the photos. What picture could I take that would represent joy? Then just as a joke I took a picture of my brother. And later in the day looking back on my photos I realized I didn't need to keep searching. I had found my joy.
Photo Conundrum
I was trying to think of ideas for the photos. What picture could I take that would represent joy? Then just as a joke I took a picture of my brother. And later in the day looking back on my photos I realized I didn't need to keep searching. I had found my joy.
I took this photo in Charleston. I thought this church was so cute because it was pink and it made me happy.
Pink Church
I took this photo in Charleston. I thought this church was so cute because it was pink and it made me happy.
Play
Kimberly M
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Not Selected
This photo was taken in my class studio. This photo relates to the theme joy because is about using your imagination. Everyone's childhood brings them joyful memories due to the usage of play using their imagination.
Play
This photo was taken in my class studio. This photo relates to the theme joy because is about using your imagination. Everyone's childhood brings them joyful memories due to the usage of play using their imagination.
This photo shows my joy in dancing on pointe and being in nature.
Pointe Out Nature
This photo shows my joy in dancing on pointe and being in nature.
This is my brother Oliver. Whenever he smiles, it makes me happy. I love being his big sister and that brings me joy!
Pooh Bear
This is my brother Oliver. Whenever he smiles, it makes me happy. I love being his big sister and that brings me joy!
Pure Joy
Jaden L
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Not Selected
This photo which was taken January 22, 2025 is a photo of my friend Mattias. Me and Mattias were outside of our class trying to figure out where to take a photo when we decided to get some shade under our gym. Where we figured out that the lighting would be okay there. I picked this photograph for the word "Joy" because of how fun it was to take the photos and also because of how Mattias is known to be a joyful person.
Pure Joy
This photo which was taken January 22, 2025 is a photo of my friend Mattias. Me and Mattias were outside of our class trying to figure out where to take a photo when we decided to get some shade under our gym. Where we figured out that the lighting would be okay there. I picked this photograph for the word "Joy" because of how fun it was to take the photos and also because of how Mattias is known to be a joyful person.
A young woman standing in the center of the photograph a puddle under her showing the reflection of the dusk sky and herself. In the background, there is a school building. She is leaving the campus waiting for her ride in the parking lot.
It relates to the theme due to her looking at the parking lot in hope that her ride will soon arrive so she can leave the school campus and rest. While waiting she is admiring the view of the dusk sky and it makes her feel a sense of joy knowing she will soon be home.
Rainy Day Reflections
A young woman standing in the center of the photograph a puddle under her showing the reflection of the dusk sky and herself. In the background, there is a school building. She is leaving the campus waiting for her ride in the parking lot.
It relates to the theme due to her looking at the parking lot in hope that her ride will soon arrive so she can leave the school campus and rest. While waiting she is admiring the view of the dusk sky and it makes her feel a sense of joy knowing she will soon be home.
In this photo the subject is reaching for the simple joy of childhood innocence. It illustrates how we tend to reach for the joy we once had as kids. As kids all we want to do is grow up, but as we grow into the age we realize we were happier then.
Reaching for Childhood
In this photo the subject is reaching for the simple joy of childhood innocence. It illustrates how we tend to reach for the joy we once had as kids. As kids all we want to do is grow up, but as we grow into the age we realize we were happier then.
This photograph was taken at Disneyland. My photograph relates to Joy because it shows the contagious joy that the girl displays while riding her favorite ride. It also shows the nostalgia of riding a ride, with the wind blowing in her face, bringing back joyous childhood memories. I remember when I was little, my dad would take me on this ride. I clearly remember the smell of sweet buttery popcorn filling the air and the giggles of children roaming around while waiting in line in anticipation of soaring through the air on Dumbo. I would giggle while my dad pulled the switch up and down as he controlled the motions of the vehicle. Now, I am glad to share this moment with the girl who can understand the carefree moments of joy.
Recapturing Joy
This photograph was taken at Disneyland. My photograph relates to Joy because it shows the contagious joy that the girl displays while riding her favorite ride. It also shows the nostalgia of riding a ride, with the wind blowing in her face, bringing back joyous childhood memories. I remember when I was little, my dad would take me on this ride. I clearly remember the smell of sweet buttery popcorn filling the air and the giggles of children roaming around while waiting in line in anticipation of soaring through the air on Dumbo. I would giggle while my dad pulled the switch up and down as he controlled the motions of the vehicle. Now, I am glad to share this moment with the girl who can understand the carefree moments of joy.
Red
David A
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Honorable Mention
Sometimes, you need to be disconnected from others, so everything can pour over you at once.
Red
Sometimes, you need to be disconnected from others, so everything can pour over you at once.
Taken on campus on a bit of a hill next to one of the gym buildings. This was one of my earlier photos in my photography class, but I thought it was one of my most joyful photos. That whole shoot was just me and a couple of friends takings whatever we wanted really, and this photo in particular was fun. I used continuous to take a bunch of photos of one of my friends rolling down the hill, I even turned it into a gif afterwards.
Rolling Along
Taken on campus on a bit of a hill next to one of the gym buildings. This was one of my earlier photos in my photography class, but I thought it was one of my most joyful photos. That whole shoot was just me and a couple of friends takings whatever we wanted really, and this photo in particular was fun. I used continuous to take a bunch of photos of one of my friends rolling down the hill, I even turned it into a gif afterwards.
Coming back from his walk outside, my dog Bolillo sees me waiting for him and gets excited. My sister takes his leash off, and he starts to bolt toward me. Even though he's getting old he is always full of life and is always happy to see me. I was the one who first held him now he comes to me to hold him. He's my joy.
Running Home
Coming back from his walk outside, my dog Bolillo sees me waiting for him and gets excited. My sister takes his leash off, and he starts to bolt toward me. Even though he's getting old he is always full of life and is always happy to see me. I was the one who first held him now he comes to me to hold him. He's my joy.
I took this photo of one of the PE teachers at my school. He can always make anyone smile and laugh. We were walking around taking photos and ran into him outside the gym. For our assignment we had to take candid photos of people so he offered to help us. He is always willing to help people out and walking to him while taking the photos was really fun.
School Bonds
I took this photo of one of the PE teachers at my school. He can always make anyone smile and laugh. We were walking around taking photos and ran into him outside the gym. For our assignment we had to take candid photos of people so he offered to help us. He is always willing to help people out and walking to him while taking the photos was really fun.
You look closely at your surroundings. Summer breezes blow your hair out of your face, giving you time to look around and soak in the moment. Salt in your hair. Sand in your toes. The sun burning your skin. Staring ahead, you see your best friend leaping into the water after we had just decided to lay out on the sand for a while. She drags her feet up and forward to quickly move past shallow waters. The water looks both green and blue, as the white waves come running after you. A white crashing wave, small but rough, hits you. As the water droplets hit your cheeks and refresh your burning hot face, you can’t even be mad that you are coughing up a plethora of salt water. Smiling with sand in your mouth and ears, the realization comes that this exact moment is the most joy you had felt in so long.
Scintillating Summer waves
You look closely at your surroundings. Summer breezes blow your hair out of your face, giving you time to look around and soak in the moment. Salt in your hair. Sand in your toes. The sun burning your skin. Staring ahead, you see your best friend leaping into the water after we had just decided to lay out on the sand for a while. She drags her feet up and forward to quickly move past shallow waters. The water looks both green and blue, as the white waves come running after you. A white crashing wave, small but rough, hits you. As the water droplets hit your cheeks and refresh your burning hot face, you can’t even be mad that you are coughing up a plethora of salt water. Smiling with sand in your mouth and ears, the realization comes that this exact moment is the most joy you had felt in so long.
This picture is joyful. It’s joyful because people get to see Santa at the mall. Kids can talk and take pictures to feel happy and excited about Christmas. Parents watch their kids being happy. Families can see their memories all year long.
Seeing Santa
This picture is joyful. It’s joyful because people get to see Santa at the mall. Kids can talk and take pictures to feel happy and excited about Christmas. Parents watch their kids being happy. Families can see their memories all year long.
I took this picture in my backyard. It is so pretty.
It makes me happy because we are all smiling. My dogs are sweet. My puppy is silly, and my old dog likes to cuddle.
I hope people feel happy when they see my picture!
Selfie Joy
I took this picture in my backyard. It is so pretty.
It makes me happy because we are all smiling. My dogs are sweet. My puppy is silly, and my old dog likes to cuddle.
I hope people feel happy when they see my picture!
The photo was taken in an advanced photography class' studio, we put a black backdrop and set up a studio light for a more professional look.
The photo relates to this year's contest them, "Joy" because they are two friends joyfully laughing, and it just so happens I took the picture at the right moment showcasing their pure smiles.
Serenade of Smiles
The photo was taken in an advanced photography class' studio, we put a black backdrop and set up a studio light for a more professional look.
The photo relates to this year's contest them, "Joy" because they are two friends joyfully laughing, and it just so happens I took the picture at the right moment showcasing their pure smiles.
Serene Symmetry
Taken at the Huntington Library.
This photo makes me happy. Every time I view it, I am reminded of the field trip my class took to the Huntington. It was my first time fully exploring by myself, and I was pleasantly surprised and instantly filled with joy when I saw it.
Serene Symmetry
Serene Symmetry
Taken at the Huntington Library.
This photo makes me happy. Every time I view it, I am reminded of the field trip my class took to the Huntington. It was my first time fully exploring by myself, and I was pleasantly surprised and instantly filled with joy when I saw it.
Shadow
Thatcher B
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Honorable Mention
Taken at school.
Joy can be found in reflecting in the past. My photo represents the reflection of our past childhoods, and the joy, nostalgia, and encouragement that it brings us.
Shadow
Taken at school.
Joy can be found in reflecting in the past. My photo represents the reflection of our past childhoods, and the joy, nostalgia, and encouragement that it brings us.
Taken in an alleyway at school. The subject was not told to laugh. Instead we had a conversation and his expression was captured candidly.
Sheer Joy
Taken in an alleyway at school. The subject was not told to laugh. Instead we had a conversation and his expression was captured candidly.