This photo was taken on the campus of our school, right next to the volleyball net during lunch recess. I feel this photo reflects this year’s theme of Joy by allowing people to look back at times when something as simple as recess could provide loads of joy to any kid who was looking forward to something that, at the time, was very special. It was a time when they were free to do anything from playing sports to socializing with their friends. I also feel that this image can even inspire people to look back at their youth and how they can maintain it and keep a positive, joyful, outlook on life. I would like the judges to notice the background containing the volleyball court filled with other kids who are also enjoying their time during recess.
The Joys of Recess
This photo was taken on the campus of our school, right next to the volleyball net during lunch recess. I feel this photo reflects this year’s theme of Joy by allowing people to look back at times when something as simple as recess could provide loads of joy to any kid who was looking forward to something that, at the time, was very special. It was a time when they were free to do anything from playing sports to socializing with their friends. I also feel that this image can even inspire people to look back at their youth and how they can maintain it and keep a positive, joyful, outlook on life. I would like the judges to notice the background containing the volleyball court filled with other kids who are also enjoying their time during recess.
fighting for light.
fighting for life.
struggling to survive.
with little space
to survive.
it lives
Very littile spase
to soak
it's roots.
Tring to live another day for life.
waves of life flow
through the sea
and it give bursts of life
into are world.
waves of air flow through the sky.
Living through autumn to winter.
It lives to see another sun rise.
It is joyful to see the life flower grow.
The Life Flower
fighting for light.
fighting for life.
struggling to survive.
with little space
to survive.
it lives
Very littile spase
to soak
it's roots.
Tring to live another day for life.
waves of life flow
through the sea
and it give bursts of life
into are world.
waves of air flow through the sky.
Living through autumn to winter.
It lives to see another sun rise.
It is joyful to see the life flower grow.
I took this picture in a local park as I was thinking of the feeling of joy and I snapped this picture as I thought it was the embodiment of the feeling, word and emotion. Struggle, pain, setbacks, and the overwhelming feeling that you think you’re not good enough. All of these things, all these “shackles” that hold you down from your true self, true potential are all created from one’s mind. It takes all of you to climb the slump, climb your Everest to find out who you really are. One of those mountains is the conformity of completing your education, something that is easier said than done. The feeling of relief, and joy that makes you feel like you’re moving in slow motion or floating even. If there was a measurement on the emotion, it would be off the charts. What feels like your whole life dedicated to accomplishing this monumental achievement now only opens doors for you as you are being engulfed by the deep blue that is the “real world” only to be found in the same situation you were before. The situation that is presented to you is only what you make of it. You did it before, who's stopping you from doing it again?
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
I took this picture in a local park as I was thinking of the feeling of joy and I snapped this picture as I thought it was the embodiment of the feeling, word and emotion. Struggle, pain, setbacks, and the overwhelming feeling that you think you’re not good enough. All of these things, all these “shackles” that hold you down from your true self, true potential are all created from one’s mind. It takes all of you to climb the slump, climb your Everest to find out who you really are. One of those mountains is the conformity of completing your education, something that is easier said than done. The feeling of relief, and joy that makes you feel like you’re moving in slow motion or floating even. If there was a measurement on the emotion, it would be off the charts. What feels like your whole life dedicated to accomplishing this monumental achievement now only opens doors for you as you are being engulfed by the deep blue that is the “real world” only to be found in the same situation you were before. The situation that is presented to you is only what you make of it. You did it before, who's stopping you from doing it again?
This photo was taken while walking on a bright morning, with trees, buildings, and a clear sky in the background. It captures my friend’s joyful expression as he holds up a dollar bill, he found on our walk together. The image relates to the theme of "Joy" because it highlights a simple yet exciting moment of unexpected luck, showing how even small surprises can bring happiness. Some facts I would like the judges should know about this photo: The sunlight shining through the dollar bill adds a unique visual effect, making the moment feel even more special. The candid expression on my friend’s face captures genuine excitement and appreciation for his lucky find. The setting and natural lighting emphasize the feeling of positivity and warmth, enhancing the joyful mood of the photo.
The Lucky Found Dollar
This photo was taken while walking on a bright morning, with trees, buildings, and a clear sky in the background. It captures my friend’s joyful expression as he holds up a dollar bill, he found on our walk together. The image relates to the theme of "Joy" because it highlights a simple yet exciting moment of unexpected luck, showing how even small surprises can bring happiness. Some facts I would like the judges should know about this photo: The sunlight shining through the dollar bill adds a unique visual effect, making the moment feel even more special. The candid expression on my friend’s face captures genuine excitement and appreciation for his lucky find. The setting and natural lighting emphasize the feeling of positivity and warmth, enhancing the joyful mood of the photo.
In this photo, I dressed up as a made up character in a silly outfit. It felt weird, and at times the whole thing felt stupid, but there was a certain level of liberation in it. By dressing up as this character I didn't have to be anything but that, and I felt a certain joy in that.
The Mothman
In this photo, I dressed up as a made up character in a silly outfit. It felt weird, and at times the whole thing felt stupid, but there was a certain level of liberation in it. By dressing up as this character I didn't have to be anything but that, and I felt a certain joy in that.
My photo is called "The Peaceful Landscape" because the garden felt more comfortable to me than the others. My photo has traditional Chinese buildings with some white and pink cherry blossom trees in the background. It also has a lake with koi fish swimming in it. I had to position myself, slightly crouching and using the rule of thirds. This photo was taken in the Huntington Library, in the Chinese garden. The Chinese Garden shows how Chinese people lived back then and how their lives looked. This was also taken during winter, so the clouds looked darker. My photo relates to the theme of Joy because I remember coming to the Huntington Library for the first time with my family during my childhood and being amazed about how many things my culture had. I would try getting a cherry blossom flower, but my mom would scold me. I managed to pluck one off secretly, but it ended up turning brown. I remember it being more vibrant in color, and there were more koi fish. This has also taught me about where I'm from. There were also traditional Chinese herbs/medicine growing, and people showing/teaching how they used them as remedies.
The Peaceful Landscape
My photo is called "The Peaceful Landscape" because the garden felt more comfortable to me than the others. My photo has traditional Chinese buildings with some white and pink cherry blossom trees in the background. It also has a lake with koi fish swimming in it. I had to position myself, slightly crouching and using the rule of thirds. This photo was taken in the Huntington Library, in the Chinese garden. The Chinese Garden shows how Chinese people lived back then and how their lives looked. This was also taken during winter, so the clouds looked darker. My photo relates to the theme of Joy because I remember coming to the Huntington Library for the first time with my family during my childhood and being amazed about how many things my culture had. I would try getting a cherry blossom flower, but my mom would scold me. I managed to pluck one off secretly, but it ended up turning brown. I remember it being more vibrant in color, and there were more koi fish. This has also taught me about where I'm from. There were also traditional Chinese herbs/medicine growing, and people showing/teaching how they used them as remedies.
I took the photo on a hill nearby school.
"The sun setting, peaking out from behind the clouds. A common sight yet still so beautiful. I usually see sunsets from my home, but none quite as beautiful as this one. Is it the change in environment? The hill I'm standing on? Or maybe, is it the people watching the sunset along with me? All these people, with their family, friends, and even their pets watching the sunset. It might've been different had I been alone, but with my family, the sunset seemed far brighter than usual. Moments like these made me realize how simple joy really was. A simple, yet beautiful sunset, and quality time with my family."
The Same Yet Somehow Different
I took the photo on a hill nearby school.
"The sun setting, peaking out from behind the clouds. A common sight yet still so beautiful. I usually see sunsets from my home, but none quite as beautiful as this one. Is it the change in environment? The hill I'm standing on? Or maybe, is it the people watching the sunset along with me? All these people, with their family, friends, and even their pets watching the sunset. It might've been different had I been alone, but with my family, the sunset seemed far brighter than usual. Moments like these made me realize how simple joy really was. A simple, yet beautiful sunset, and quality time with my family."
This photo was taken in my house. Every year, my family and I pick our Christmas tree at the YMCA down the street and put it up in our living room. This photo portrays immense joy because it represents a cheerful holiday that my family and I love to celebrate. My sister and I always look forward to Christmas morning, opening presents, and always setting cookies and milk out for Santa.
The Season of Giving
This photo was taken in my house. Every year, my family and I pick our Christmas tree at the YMCA down the street and put it up in our living room. This photo portrays immense joy because it represents a cheerful holiday that my family and I love to celebrate. My sister and I always look forward to Christmas morning, opening presents, and always setting cookies and milk out for Santa.
Growing up is a part of life. But why does it feel so scary?
Being young is to be free, to have fun no matter the cost. Letting your hair blow in the wind, with no care in the world. But growing up happens, so that is why you need to cherish those moments. Cherish the last times you felt genuine immature joy. Always keep them close to your heart, and never forget the time before
The Times Before
Growing up is a part of life. But why does it feel so scary?
Being young is to be free, to have fun no matter the cost. Letting your hair blow in the wind, with no care in the world. But growing up happens, so that is why you need to cherish those moments. Cherish the last times you felt genuine immature joy. Always keep them close to your heart, and never forget the time before
There is vast expanse that separates the mundane from the truly joyous times in our lives. A proverbial bliss experienced by those who embark on a quest to find our inner truth through enjoyment of participating in life. These simple pleasures are often never realized by those who don't participate.
Looking out at the horizon while the sun is setting.....
Letting the water ebb and flow between our toes....
Pausing to feel the world that surrounds us....
Breathing in the joy and being engulfed by our emotions......
Age makes no distinction during these moments. They are truly the treasures that will bury themselves in our heart for eternity.
The Treasure of Simple Pleasure
There is vast expanse that separates the mundane from the truly joyous times in our lives. A proverbial bliss experienced by those who embark on a quest to find our inner truth through enjoyment of participating in life. These simple pleasures are often never realized by those who don't participate.
Looking out at the horizon while the sun is setting.....
Letting the water ebb and flow between our toes....
Pausing to feel the world that surrounds us....
Breathing in the joy and being engulfed by our emotions......
Age makes no distinction during these moments. They are truly the treasures that will bury themselves in our heart for eternity.
You stand by me as I stand by you,
On this green swing.
I smile as you smile,
On this green swing.
We don't care about the hair in our face or the sun beating down on us,
On this green swing.
The childlike wonder of laughter,
Of joy,
On this green swing.
Just keep it moving back and forth,
I don't want it to end,
On that green swing.
And the rhythm breaks of back and forth,
Smiling and exhilaration dissipating,
And you know you have to give it up to another awaiting kid,
That feeling of joy is passed along through an imaginary stream,
And you know that kid will feel as much joy as you did,
On this green swing.
This Green Swing
You stand by me as I stand by you,
On this green swing.
I smile as you smile,
On this green swing.
We don't care about the hair in our face or the sun beating down on us,
On this green swing.
The childlike wonder of laughter,
Of joy,
On this green swing.
Just keep it moving back and forth,
I don't want it to end,
On that green swing.
And the rhythm breaks of back and forth,
Smiling and exhilaration dissipating,
And you know you have to give it up to another awaiting kid,
That feeling of joy is passed along through an imaginary stream,
And you know that kid will feel as much joy as you did,
On this green swing.
This photograph was taken in my grandmother's guest room, a place where she frequently visits. I was on a trip to her house when she mentioned how much joy it gave her to stare at the photos of her friends and family. After talking she revealed how collecting photos of her family let her reflect on her past, with physically going into the photo room making her feel warm and whole. She described to me how the family physically strung and "stitched" her together, with everyone in her photos being a reason why she feels full and warm. This inspired me to photograph her connection to her family, choosing to represent this connection with thread. The threads symbolize a connection to her family both physically, in the photo, and metaphorically. Then the threads culminated in her sweater, making her whole and representing the physical warmth/mental warmth that came with her familial connection
I was able to connect my idea: representing my grandmother’s family-oriented personality through her collection of family photos, by using thread to show the physical and mental connection/warmth that family provides to her.
Threaded by Love
This photograph was taken in my grandmother's guest room, a place where she frequently visits. I was on a trip to her house when she mentioned how much joy it gave her to stare at the photos of her friends and family. After talking she revealed how collecting photos of her family let her reflect on her past, with physically going into the photo room making her feel warm and whole. She described to me how the family physically strung and "stitched" her together, with everyone in her photos being a reason why she feels full and warm. This inspired me to photograph her connection to her family, choosing to represent this connection with thread. The threads symbolize a connection to her family both physically, in the photo, and metaphorically. Then the threads culminated in her sweater, making her whole and representing the physical warmth/mental warmth that came with her familial connection
I was able to connect my idea: representing my grandmother’s family-oriented personality through her collection of family photos, by using thread to show the physical and mental connection/warmth that family provides to her.
This photo was taken at China Peak (CA). Me and my family went up to have a snow day, once we got there, we started to make snowmen and snowballs. My younger sister and stepdad started to have a snowball fight, and they did, about 3-4 min later my sister won. My stepdad was playfully being a sore loser and when my sister turned her back, stepdad did a jump scare and started to tickle her in the snow. This relates to joy because my sister and stepdad were doing family bonding. For them it was having a snowball fight, and my stepdad giving my sister a tickle attack.
Tickles, Snowballs, and Family Bonding
This photo was taken at China Peak (CA). Me and my family went up to have a snow day, once we got there, we started to make snowmen and snowballs. My younger sister and stepdad started to have a snowball fight, and they did, about 3-4 min later my sister won. My stepdad was playfully being a sore loser and when my sister turned her back, stepdad did a jump scare and started to tickle her in the snow. This relates to joy because my sister and stepdad were doing family bonding. For them it was having a snowball fight, and my stepdad giving my sister a tickle attack.
This photo was taken on a trip to Disneyland where the carousel is behind the castle. I wanted to capture movement in my photo so I decided to use panning and selected an empty horse as my main subject. My photo can take anyone back to childhood when times are carefree and fun. A carousel is a ride most kids have been on at least once and always produces genuine smiles and laughter which truly represent joy. For most, childhood is when we experience pure joy before growing up. I'm very grateful to showcase any of my work to anyone who would care to take notice. Thank you for this opportunity.
Timeless Youth
This photo was taken on a trip to Disneyland where the carousel is behind the castle. I wanted to capture movement in my photo so I decided to use panning and selected an empty horse as my main subject. My photo can take anyone back to childhood when times are carefree and fun. A carousel is a ride most kids have been on at least once and always produces genuine smiles and laughter which truly represent joy. For most, childhood is when we experience pure joy before growing up. I'm very grateful to showcase any of my work to anyone who would care to take notice. Thank you for this opportunity.
One evening right at the start of quarantine in March, me and my family went for a walk where we saw this beautiful purple-blue sky that had streaks of orange clouds. I remember having my breath taken away once I saw this and it motivated me to go on daily walks during quarantine where it was easy to just stay home all day.
Tournaments
One evening right at the start of quarantine in March, me and my family went for a walk where we saw this beautiful purple-blue sky that had streaks of orange clouds. I remember having my breath taken away once I saw this and it motivated me to go on daily walks during quarantine where it was easy to just stay home all day.
Tsunami
Sebastian C
Student
San Diego
2025
Not Selected
The photo is my dog Tsunami running towards me. We were walking along Crown point when Tsunami decided to run into the water. We let him play in the water cause he was already wet so he started jumping in and out of the water. I called him and that is when I took the photo. The photo relates to the them because my dog brings me joy when he is having fun and he was happy in the photo.
Tsunami
The photo is my dog Tsunami running towards me. We were walking along Crown point when Tsunami decided to run into the water. We let him play in the water cause he was already wet so he started jumping in and out of the water. I called him and that is when I took the photo. The photo relates to the them because my dog brings me joy when he is having fun and he was happy in the photo.
This photo was taken of two of my friends at my birthday party that was held at Chuck E. Cheese. Although Chuck E. Cheese is usually associated with “being for kids,” the two subjects in this photo are still happy to be there, reliving their happy childhood memories while also exemplifying true friendship. This photo represents joy, because it shows that just because we may grow older, we are still kids at heart. Therefore, we still feel the joy and wonder that we felt as children. Nostalgia and joy go hand in hand as well as the joy we feel when we are with friends.
Two Best Friends
This photo was taken of two of my friends at my birthday party that was held at Chuck E. Cheese. Although Chuck E. Cheese is usually associated with “being for kids,” the two subjects in this photo are still happy to be there, reliving their happy childhood memories while also exemplifying true friendship. This photo represents joy, because it shows that just because we may grow older, we are still kids at heart. Therefore, we still feel the joy and wonder that we felt as children. Nostalgia and joy go hand in hand as well as the joy we feel when we are with friends.
This photo was taken on a family trip in a cozy cabin. My two cousins are inseparable, and the pure joy on their faces after being reunited is undeniable. Prior to this, they had been away from each other in their hometowns for months.
Two Cousins
This photo was taken on a family trip in a cozy cabin. My two cousins are inseparable, and the pure joy on their faces after being reunited is undeniable. Prior to this, they had been away from each other in their hometowns for months.
This photo was taken at a school fashion show. The two models are joyful in showing off their new outfits.
Two Good Boys
This photo was taken at a school fashion show. The two models are joyful in showing off their new outfits.
Taken on the shore of Jenkinson Lake, depicting my father and our dog on enjoying a walk around the lake while he's off work. It's the highlight of both their days.
Two Old Men
Taken on the shore of Jenkinson Lake, depicting my father and our dog on enjoying a walk around the lake while he's off work. It's the highlight of both their days.