Bonding with your pets, talking to someone about a similar interest, or joking around with your best friend. These are all examples of friendships. Friendship can take many forms. Whether it be funny interactions, or maybe even a simple greeting. The best friendships however, will make you laugh, smile, and help you find comfort. They will have you giggling and feeling as happy as can be. They will bring a unwavering grin even in the darkest hours. They will take a place in your heart that cannot be replaced with anything else. They will always find a way, to bring you joy.
Silhouettes of Friendship
Bonding with your pets, talking to someone about a similar interest, or joking around with your best friend. These are all examples of friendships. Friendship can take many forms. Whether it be funny interactions, or maybe even a simple greeting. The best friendships however, will make you laugh, smile, and help you find comfort. They will have you giggling and feeling as happy as can be. They will bring a unwavering grin even in the darkest hours. They will take a place in your heart that cannot be replaced with anything else. They will always find a way, to bring you joy.
The excitement of a child brings joy to everyone. This photo shows the joy of a 4 year old dressed up for her pending birthday, wearing her chosen jewelry, and raising her hands to catch the football coming her way from her brother. Her simple joy spreads warmth and love to those lucky enough to share her moment.
Simple Joy
The excitement of a child brings joy to everyone. This photo shows the joy of a 4 year old dressed up for her pending birthday, wearing her chosen jewelry, and raising her hands to catch the football coming her way from her brother. Her simple joy spreads warmth and love to those lucky enough to share her moment.
After a long day at school, I look forward to practicing my basketball skills. I also find joy in photography, so for this image I set me camera on a timer and a tripod and was super excited to catch my slam dunk!!
Slam Dunk
After a long day at school, I look forward to practicing my basketball skills. I also find joy in photography, so for this image I set me camera on a timer and a tripod and was super excited to catch my slam dunk!!
This photo was taken in the mountains during winter, capturing a fun-filled moment in the snow. It perfectly represents the theme of "Joy" as my younger brother smiles brightly while sledding down a snowy slope, fully enjoying the excitement of the moment. His laughter and expression reflect pure happiness, making this a special and lively image. Some things the judges should know about this photo: While taking the picture, I slipped on the snow and was falling, which made capturing this moment even more challenging. The person in the image is my younger brother, who was having the time of his life sledding. Right after I took this picture, my brother crashed into me with the sled, adding an unexpected and hilarious ending to the moment.
Sledding in a Joyful Decent
This photo was taken in the mountains during winter, capturing a fun-filled moment in the snow. It perfectly represents the theme of "Joy" as my younger brother smiles brightly while sledding down a snowy slope, fully enjoying the excitement of the moment. His laughter and expression reflect pure happiness, making this a special and lively image. Some things the judges should know about this photo: While taking the picture, I slipped on the snow and was falling, which made capturing this moment even more challenging. The person in the image is my younger brother, who was having the time of his life sledding. Right after I took this picture, my brother crashed into me with the sled, adding an unexpected and hilarious ending to the moment.
You ever look back at your childhood and get hit with a wave of nostalgia? I bet you the best ones were the ones filled with laughter and fun. I took this photo thinking about the times my grandpa took me to park. I had so much fun sliding down slides, swinging on the swings, and shooting baskets on the courts. Just thinking about these simple times where there was no stress and carefree times brings me joy.
Slide Into Nostalgia
You ever look back at your childhood and get hit with a wave of nostalgia? I bet you the best ones were the ones filled with laughter and fun. I took this photo thinking about the times my grandpa took me to park. I had so much fun sliding down slides, swinging on the swings, and shooting baskets on the courts. Just thinking about these simple times where there was no stress and carefree times brings me joy.
This photo was taken in a park where I was watching fireworks. This photo relates to the theme of joy because to me this is how joy feels. This fireworks is a burst like joy but then fades away leaving smoke and bits of the joy left behind that is gone the time changing depending on the amount of fireworks. Thank you for your time.
Smoke Fades
This photo was taken in a park where I was watching fireworks. This photo relates to the theme of joy because to me this is how joy feels. This fireworks is a burst like joy but then fades away leaving smoke and bits of the joy left behind that is gone the time changing depending on the amount of fireworks. Thank you for your time.
SNAP!
Shravi C
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Honorable Mention
This brings me joy because it reminds me of the time my family went to Aruba. We went to flamingo beach. You go to flamingo beach by a boat. When we arrived at the place to go onto the boat, I saw the pretty scenery you are seeing in my picture. I took a picture of it with my camera.
SNAP!
This brings me joy because it reminds me of the time my family went to Aruba. We went to flamingo beach. You go to flamingo beach by a boat. When we arrived at the place to go onto the boat, I saw the pretty scenery you are seeing in my picture. I took a picture of it with my camera.
My photograph relates to joy because of the optimism that Goku brings to the viewers with his challenges, growth, learning, and relationships.
Son Goku Joiner
My photograph relates to joy because of the optimism that Goku brings to the viewers with his challenges, growth, learning, and relationships.
This photo was taken right outside my school and it relates to joy because the car has a soul and a soul is what brings joy, to explain that I have written this paragraph.
A soul. What makes you, you. Everything has its soul even if it's not alive. A Soul brings you connection, laughter, personality, and joy. A dog and a cat have a soul, and so do you. When you see a cute dog you also have a sense of joy that appears because of your soul. But what gives something a soul? Is it being able to breathe, is it having a value, or is it being different? A soul makes an object, everything has a soul because it gives value to everyone in the world. But how does this simple Subaru BRZ have a soul? Could it be the joyful smile on its front bumper or the sound of the 228-horsepower 7,500 rpm 2.4-liter flat-four engine? To me, it's both, but to the owner, it could be so much more. The owner built a connection with this car, the owner got food in that car, and the owner cried in that car. And to say, after all that connection that the car doesn't have a soul. To say that the car doesn't bring joy to the owner. Everything has a soul, if it didn't the world would be bland. And that soul that the Subaru BRZ has brings me joy.
Subaru With A Soul
This photo was taken right outside my school and it relates to joy because the car has a soul and a soul is what brings joy, to explain that I have written this paragraph.
A soul. What makes you, you. Everything has its soul even if it's not alive. A Soul brings you connection, laughter, personality, and joy. A dog and a cat have a soul, and so do you. When you see a cute dog you also have a sense of joy that appears because of your soul. But what gives something a soul? Is it being able to breathe, is it having a value, or is it being different? A soul makes an object, everything has a soul because it gives value to everyone in the world. But how does this simple Subaru BRZ have a soul? Could it be the joyful smile on its front bumper or the sound of the 228-horsepower 7,500 rpm 2.4-liter flat-four engine? To me, it's both, but to the owner, it could be so much more. The owner built a connection with this car, the owner got food in that car, and the owner cried in that car. And to say, after all that connection that the car doesn't have a soul. To say that the car doesn't bring joy to the owner. Everything has a soul, if it didn't the world would be bland. And that soul that the Subaru BRZ has brings me joy.
People think summer is the hot sun, no school, and summer camps that no one really wants to go to. What they don't understand is that summer is not dictated by the activities or lack of them, nor the heat or cold. No, summer is formed by the people you're with. The old ones, the new ones, they all make it the way it is. One day, you will look back on that beautiful summer day and think, what if they weren't there? What if we had decided to stay home? You'll never know, but one thing for sure, summer would not be the same.
Summer Wouldn’t Be the Same
People think summer is the hot sun, no school, and summer camps that no one really wants to go to. What they don't understand is that summer is not dictated by the activities or lack of them, nor the heat or cold. No, summer is formed by the people you're with. The old ones, the new ones, they all make it the way it is. One day, you will look back on that beautiful summer day and think, what if they weren't there? What if we had decided to stay home? You'll never know, but one thing for sure, summer would not be the same.
Sun
Kailyn V
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Not Selected
Each year as homecoming nears, my school hosts its annual Homecoming Rally that comes with something special: senior skits. Seniors who run for homecoming court come together with friends to create a story filled with dances that they will then perform to the whole school. Although typically referred to as cheesy by the freshmen, these skits are filled with tremendous joy as seniors are nearing the end of their high school journey. They get to come together with the people they've met throughout their high school years to make something that they can be proud of whilst having fun. Even if they don't win, the skit itself is a fulfilling experience that leaves many smiling from ear to ear. Pictured here is one of the 2024 homecoming king contestants who, with his running partner, acted as the gods of the sun and moon.
Sun
Each year as homecoming nears, my school hosts its annual Homecoming Rally that comes with something special: senior skits. Seniors who run for homecoming court come together with friends to create a story filled with dances that they will then perform to the whole school. Although typically referred to as cheesy by the freshmen, these skits are filled with tremendous joy as seniors are nearing the end of their high school journey. They get to come together with the people they've met throughout their high school years to make something that they can be proud of whilst having fun. Even if they don't win, the skit itself is a fulfilling experience that leaves many smiling from ear to ear. Pictured here is one of the 2024 homecoming king contestants who, with his running partner, acted as the gods of the sun and moon.
The photo was taken on a trip to Texas. A storm had just finished and I was driving behind it. The sun was setting and the flowers seemed to capture and bathe in the light that brought joy to the scene. I was in awe of the surrounding field and beauty of the moment. I had never seen sunflowers so vibrant in the light. I watched this field for over an hour, just memorized by what I was seeing. These were my grandmother's favorite flowers and it brought joy to me knowing that she was with me in spirit.
Sunflower Harvest
The photo was taken on a trip to Texas. A storm had just finished and I was driving behind it. The sun was setting and the flowers seemed to capture and bathe in the light that brought joy to the scene. I was in awe of the surrounding field and beauty of the moment. I had never seen sunflowers so vibrant in the light. I watched this field for over an hour, just memorized by what I was seeing. These were my grandmother's favorite flowers and it brought joy to me knowing that she was with me in spirit.
Sunset
Madalynn B
Student
Tuolumne
2025
Not Selected
The photo was taken at my house when the sun was going down. I believe my photo relates to this years contest theme joy because sunsets are so pretty, and when I see them they also bring me joy.
Sunset
The photo was taken at my house when the sun was going down. I believe my photo relates to this years contest theme joy because sunsets are so pretty, and when I see them they also bring me joy.
Sunset
Joslyn A
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Honorable Mention
My friends and I went on a trip to one of my friends beach house. This was an amazing trip and we had so much fun. I love hanging out with my friends so being together for three straight days brought me more joy than you can even imagine. This was also a bonding experience as I knew the other two friends pretty much my whole life. The other one I had only met two years before that photo. Now we are so close we consider each other our sisters. This bond is an amazing thing that we can talk about anything. Deep secrets, embarrassing moments, and even things that make us sad or worry us. I loved this trip and it was even more amazing with my friends.
Sunset
My friends and I went on a trip to one of my friends beach house. This was an amazing trip and we had so much fun. I love hanging out with my friends so being together for three straight days brought me more joy than you can even imagine. This was also a bonding experience as I knew the other two friends pretty much my whole life. The other one I had only met two years before that photo. Now we are so close we consider each other our sisters. This bond is an amazing thing that we can talk about anything. Deep secrets, embarrassing moments, and even things that make us sad or worry us. I loved this trip and it was even more amazing with my friends.
After a long day at the mall, spending time laughing, running, and figuring out bus schedules you finally make it to the final stretch of the day, the grand walk home. You look down at your phone to see a text from your mom asking where you were and what time you were getting back home. Which you respond with "In a couple of minutes". As you look up from your phone you hear your friends joyfully laughing in front of you. Then you look a little higher to the candy skies above your head. You double click the power button on your phone raise it up, and snap a photo.
Sunset After a Long Day
After a long day at the mall, spending time laughing, running, and figuring out bus schedules you finally make it to the final stretch of the day, the grand walk home. You look down at your phone to see a text from your mom asking where you were and what time you were getting back home. Which you respond with "In a couple of minutes". As you look up from your phone you hear your friends joyfully laughing in front of you. Then you look a little higher to the candy skies above your head. You double click the power button on your phone raise it up, and snap a photo.
I took this photo in the backyard area of my friend's house during sunset. My friend loves to watch the sunset and her favorite time of day is "golden hour". This photo shows her smile on the warm evening during sunset. This photo helps represent her joyful and bubbly personality.
Sunset Happiness
I took this photo in the backyard area of my friend's house during sunset. My friend loves to watch the sunset and her favorite time of day is "golden hour". This photo shows her smile on the warm evening during sunset. This photo helps represent her joyful and bubbly personality.
The photo was taken at the beach. The photo represents the joy I get from spirited driving, and the healing it brings me, represented by the broken rear view mirror, repaired with gold foil in the style of kintsugi.
Sunset Kintsugi
The photo was taken at the beach. The photo represents the joy I get from spirited driving, and the healing it brings me, represented by the broken rear view mirror, repaired with gold foil in the style of kintsugi.
I was taking this photo as I was doing my homework alongside my cat, I captured this because it gave me a sense of whimsy and joy at the moment when everything felt calm and peaceful.
Sunshine
I was taking this photo as I was doing my homework alongside my cat, I captured this because it gave me a sense of whimsy and joy at the moment when everything felt calm and peaceful.
This photo was taken at home, capturing a moment of celebration as the Eagles won this year’s Super Bowl. In the background, the game is playing, setting the scene for the excitement and energy that fills the room. The image perfectly aligns with this year’s contest theme, "Joy," as it highlights the pure exhilaration of watching a beloved team triumph. My models, who are Eagle fans, is surrounded by the festive atmosphere, which includes confetti being popped to mark the victory. This image represents a shared moment of happiness, connection, and the celebration of a long-awaited win. I want the judges to know that this photo is a personal reflection of joy through sport and community, encapsulating the emotion and unity that comes with a moment like this.
Sweet Victory
This photo was taken at home, capturing a moment of celebration as the Eagles won this year’s Super Bowl. In the background, the game is playing, setting the scene for the excitement and energy that fills the room. The image perfectly aligns with this year’s contest theme, "Joy," as it highlights the pure exhilaration of watching a beloved team triumph. My models, who are Eagle fans, is surrounded by the festive atmosphere, which includes confetti being popped to mark the victory. This image represents a shared moment of happiness, connection, and the celebration of a long-awaited win. I want the judges to know that this photo is a personal reflection of joy through sport and community, encapsulating the emotion and unity that comes with a moment like this.
Growing up, my family was definitely the type that you could find outdoors. Whether it was in our front yard, at the beach, on a hike, you could always find at least one of us outside. Even now, I've gotten older and things have changed. However, my siblings and I still make an effort to surround ourselves with nature. When I was still a toddler, we adopted a dog, Cinnamon. There's not one memory I have where he's not there. Taking him out on walks, playing with him-even the small things like laying down with him next to me make me feel a certain comfort. This photo was taken at the end of a trail where there was a big waterfall. Being able to experience nature and be with my best friend at the same time is certainly without a doubt one of the things that brings me joy.
Tails and Trials
Growing up, my family was definitely the type that you could find outdoors. Whether it was in our front yard, at the beach, on a hike, you could always find at least one of us outside. Even now, I've gotten older and things have changed. However, my siblings and I still make an effort to surround ourselves with nature. When I was still a toddler, we adopted a dog, Cinnamon. There's not one memory I have where he's not there. Taking him out on walks, playing with him-even the small things like laying down with him next to me make me feel a certain comfort. This photo was taken at the end of a trail where there was a big waterfall. Being able to experience nature and be with my best friend at the same time is certainly without a doubt one of the things that brings me joy.