Car Ride
Grace C
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Not Selected
This photo was taken as I was going on a car ride with my Dad. We were stopped at a stop light and I looked at the mirror to see the sunset being reflected on it. I thought it was so amazing how such a beautiful sunset could be seem from the road. This photo relates to the theme joy because I have lot of fun going for car rides with my dad. We talk and listen to music while driving around.
Car Ride
This photo was taken as I was going on a car ride with my Dad. We were stopped at a stop light and I looked at the mirror to see the sunset being reflected on it. I thought it was so amazing how such a beautiful sunset could be seem from the road. This photo relates to the theme joy because I have lot of fun going for car rides with my dad. We talk and listen to music while driving around.
Cat sitting in laundry basket, taken at my house, in my room. This shows joy because cats can light up your day!
Cat laundry
Cat sitting in laundry basket, taken at my house, in my room. This shows joy because cats can light up your day!
Chaotic
Gisselle H
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Honorable Mention
For Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) assignment, the picture was taken in school. This task was enjoyable because it required you to move the camera around and take pictures in ICM. I just kept moving in circles to photography a photo and hope you wouldn't notice what it was actually. Taking this picture was fun, but it also ends up looking chaotic.
Chaotic
For Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) assignment, the picture was taken in school. This task was enjoyable because it required you to move the camera around and take pictures in ICM. I just kept moving in circles to photography a photo and hope you wouldn't notice what it was actually. Taking this picture was fun, but it also ends up looking chaotic.
I am a first year photography student. The photo was taken at a hotel in my hometown. It relates to Joy because she has a big, old smile on in the photo and she's really happy to be there. The photo was taken in 0.5 zoom setting.
Chipmunk
I am a first year photography student. The photo was taken at a hotel in my hometown. It relates to Joy because she has a big, old smile on in the photo and she's really happy to be there. The photo was taken in 0.5 zoom setting.
When I was at my grandma’s house, I saw what me me joyful. The Santa Claus was going to the ladder. That made me happy and joyful. There were a lot of Christmas decorations, and I can’t choose a joyful one. I love the ladder one. I like the gingerbread. I like the one that Santa was goin up the ladder because it is moving up the ladder. I love it a lot. I cannot wait until the next Christmas.
Christmas
When I was at my grandma’s house, I saw what me me joyful. The Santa Claus was going to the ladder. That made me happy and joyful. There were a lot of Christmas decorations, and I can’t choose a joyful one. I love the ladder one. I like the gingerbread. I like the one that Santa was goin up the ladder because it is moving up the ladder. I love it a lot. I cannot wait until the next Christmas.
I have two dogs. They are a breed called French Bulldogs. One is named Goku. He is black and white, Goku is very calm, but he barks so much. My other Frenchie’s name is Loki. He is black. Loki is very active and does not bark much. Sometimes, Loki thinks he is a wolf because he howls. My Frenchies bring me joy because they are always there for me. I love to snuggle with them. I love my dogs.
Christmas with My Dogs
I have two dogs. They are a breed called French Bulldogs. One is named Goku. He is black and white, Goku is very calm, but he barks so much. My other Frenchie’s name is Loki. He is black. Loki is very active and does not bark much. Sometimes, Loki thinks he is a wolf because he howls. My Frenchies bring me joy because they are always there for me. I love to snuggle with them. I love my dogs.
Chunk
Orion A
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Honorable Mention
This photo was taken at home. It is an edited photo of my lovely cat Chunk. I think it looks like a retro TV show from the 1990s because of the pixelated appearance and the tint on the photo. This photo shows the joy of having a pet animal and for me specifically cats because I love cats.
Chunk
This photo was taken at home. It is an edited photo of my lovely cat Chunk. I think it looks like a retro TV show from the 1990s because of the pixelated appearance and the tint on the photo. This photo shows the joy of having a pet animal and for me specifically cats because I love cats.
Tests, peer pressure, separation, homework - it's due tomorrow, yet I have nothing written down
It was only yesterday that you put on that uniform for the first time
It was only a month ago you were playing at the park and climbing trees as your parents watched in fear after every step you took
The trunk was your bridge to freedom, and the sun was your beacon of hope that danced in between the leaves
Only five feet above the ground, but you felt on top of the world, proud of your accomplishment
Your arms spread open as the wind brushed softly against your skin
Then, a pause
A pause from all your stress and anxiety bearing on your shoulders
Your problems don't magically disappear on their own, but at this moment, you feel a sense of relief
To scream at the top of your lungs without anyone worrying or giving you weird glances.
To splash through those puddles as you run in the rain
To smile with all your teeth showing without being self-conscious
You climb those trees you once stood upon
And with each step, you take as you spread open your arms,
You feel lighter
At last, a moment of joy
Climbing To Joy
Tests, peer pressure, separation, homework - it's due tomorrow, yet I have nothing written down
It was only yesterday that you put on that uniform for the first time
It was only a month ago you were playing at the park and climbing trees as your parents watched in fear after every step you took
The trunk was your bridge to freedom, and the sun was your beacon of hope that danced in between the leaves
Only five feet above the ground, but you felt on top of the world, proud of your accomplishment
Your arms spread open as the wind brushed softly against your skin
Then, a pause
A pause from all your stress and anxiety bearing on your shoulders
Your problems don't magically disappear on their own, but at this moment, you feel a sense of relief
To scream at the top of your lungs without anyone worrying or giving you weird glances.
To splash through those puddles as you run in the rain
To smile with all your teeth showing without being self-conscious
You climb those trees you once stood upon
And with each step, you take as you spread open your arms,
You feel lighter
At last, a moment of joy
This picture was taken in a field at my school. I saw a child looking at the clouds with amazement. She looked very happy and was smiling. She was joyful and reminded me of this year's theme.
Cloud Watching
This picture was taken in a field at my school. I saw a child looking at the clouds with amazement. She looked very happy and was smiling. She was joyful and reminded me of this year's theme.
Escape this cold world,
Fly to the clouds of Heaven.
It’s where joy is found.
Joy is the happiness of childhood,
The delight of Christmas.
Every warm blanket,
Fragrant flower,
Genuine hug.
Joy is waiting for you,
Waiting for you to find its moments that you should cherish.
Leave the world and search for your joy.
Leave the world,
And search for Heaven.
Clouds of Heaven
Escape this cold world,
Fly to the clouds of Heaven.
It’s where joy is found.
Joy is the happiness of childhood,
The delight of Christmas.
Every warm blanket,
Fragrant flower,
Genuine hug.
Joy is waiting for you,
Waiting for you to find its moments that you should cherish.
Leave the world and search for your joy.
Leave the world,
And search for Heaven.
I took this photo at a golf course. I wanted to use colors that contrast each other so I chose a light and warm tone, and also chose to include a dark cooler tone in the image. But I also wanted to include something that brings me joy, so I wanted to include my hobby which is golf. As a varsity golfer, I chose this because not only does golf bring me joy, it also provides landscapes and nature that boosts my mental health.
Colors Inspire Joy
I took this photo at a golf course. I wanted to use colors that contrast each other so I chose a light and warm tone, and also chose to include a dark cooler tone in the image. But I also wanted to include something that brings me joy, so I wanted to include my hobby which is golf. As a varsity golfer, I chose this because not only does golf bring me joy, it also provides landscapes and nature that boosts my mental health.
Ever since I was about three years old, my Dad and I would wake up at around 5:30 A.M to go and get croissants, (among other pastries, of course). It was our little tradition, every Saturday bright and early. Now we don't go as often or as early, but every now and then, my Dad and I share some croissants at the bakery. Every time I see a croissant I think of all the joyous times I spent with my Dad so many years ago.
Croissants, Croissants, Croissants!
Ever since I was about three years old, my Dad and I would wake up at around 5:30 A.M to go and get croissants, (among other pastries, of course). It was our little tradition, every Saturday bright and early. Now we don't go as often or as early, but every now and then, my Dad and I share some croissants at the bakery. Every time I see a croissant I think of all the joyous times I spent with my Dad so many years ago.
This is my dog Olivia and she is very silly. She brings me joy because sometimes she gets the zoomies and runs around the house very fast.
Cute and Silly
This is my dog Olivia and she is very silly. She brings me joy because sometimes she gets the zoomies and runs around the house very fast.
Dancers
Jadyn M
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Not Selected
I took my photo at school In the gym during a dance showcase. I feel like this photo represents joy because if you take a look at their faces every single one of them had a bright smile. It also shows how happy they are to be able to dance. You can tell dancing has a special place in their heart.
Dancers
I took my photo at school In the gym during a dance showcase. I feel like this photo represents joy because if you take a look at their faces every single one of them had a bright smile. It also shows how happy they are to be able to dance. You can tell dancing has a special place in their heart.
I took this photo of my dear friend, Thatcher. This photo is supposed to symbolize the joy of a student. With some minor edits to the image, it became brighter with joy. I told him to “look joyous,” and that's just what he did.
Dear Friend
I took this photo of my dear friend, Thatcher. This photo is supposed to symbolize the joy of a student. With some minor edits to the image, it became brighter with joy. I told him to “look joyous,” and that's just what he did.
Delight
Aidan I
Student
San Diego
2025
Honorable Mention
This photo was taken at my childhood skatepark. This photograph relates to this year's theme of Joy because this was where many and majority of my best friends are (the one in the picture for example). Many joyful memories were made, and here he highlights that with his expression on his face!
Delight
This photo was taken at my childhood skatepark. This photograph relates to this year's theme of Joy because this was where many and majority of my best friends are (the one in the picture for example). Many joyful memories were made, and here he highlights that with his expression on his face!
True moments of joy are rare. So much of life is covered by dark thorns, which you must brush aside to find those special, beautiful moments. But once you do find joy, the thorns become near invisible. The bright and colorful feeling captures the entirety of your attention, and all of your problems wash away. Even if just for a second, true joy will shine through.
So, I ask you again: Do you see the thorns?
Do You See the Thorns?
True moments of joy are rare. So much of life is covered by dark thorns, which you must brush aside to find those special, beautiful moments. But once you do find joy, the thorns become near invisible. The bright and colorful feeling captures the entirety of your attention, and all of your problems wash away. Even if just for a second, true joy will shine through.
So, I ask you again: Do you see the thorns?
I am a first year digital photographer. This picture portrays happiness in both me and my girlfriend after I had gotten her a dog. Out of all the pictures that may have looked better than this one, this one shows true joy and excitement.
Dog Days
I am a first year digital photographer. This picture portrays happiness in both me and my girlfriend after I had gotten her a dog. Out of all the pictures that may have looked better than this one, this one shows true joy and excitement.
Dopamine
Chloe C
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Not Selected
This photo represents the theme, “joy” both metaphorically and literally.
Coffee produces dopamine, which tends to make people feel happy. In the photo, a cup of coffee is shown, therefore contributing to the “literal” part of the theme.
The two plushies are from a series about children chasing their passions in music. Chasing one’s passions tends to make them happy, therefore highlighting the metaphorical factor.
To add, this photo was taken in Japan, a place I always enjoy visiting, further contributing to the theme.
Dopamine
This photo represents the theme, “joy” both metaphorically and literally.
Coffee produces dopamine, which tends to make people feel happy. In the photo, a cup of coffee is shown, therefore contributing to the “literal” part of the theme.
The two plushies are from a series about children chasing their passions in music. Chasing one’s passions tends to make them happy, therefore highlighting the metaphorical factor.
To add, this photo was taken in Japan, a place I always enjoy visiting, further contributing to the theme.
This photo was taken at La Puente City Park. Although empty at this time, the lot is often the foundation of expanding happiness that is emitted from the kids that play at the establishment. Children are often associated with joy, as they are often untainted from the worries and responsibilities that are placed upon them as they age. Joy, in its most pure form, is captured within children.
As people grow and involve themselves in life, it is common to feel the burden of duty. Individuals become so engrossed into their responsibilities that they forget that they, too, used to play in the park. Childhood and parks are arenas of nostalgia in that aspect, and many people when they grow up reminisce on the sheer bliss they experienced as a child.
The subject is the encapsulation of the innocent joy that all children get when they play. They’re carefree from societal standards that judge their clothing, appearance, education and other factors. The slide can be viewed as a symbol of the inevitable future that everyone must follow in their development. But even then, if one photo can enclose in this brief, but foremost memory in one’s life, there is always one lingering piece of joy behind one’s mind.
Down The Slide
This photo was taken at La Puente City Park. Although empty at this time, the lot is often the foundation of expanding happiness that is emitted from the kids that play at the establishment. Children are often associated with joy, as they are often untainted from the worries and responsibilities that are placed upon them as they age. Joy, in its most pure form, is captured within children.
As people grow and involve themselves in life, it is common to feel the burden of duty. Individuals become so engrossed into their responsibilities that they forget that they, too, used to play in the park. Childhood and parks are arenas of nostalgia in that aspect, and many people when they grow up reminisce on the sheer bliss they experienced as a child.
The subject is the encapsulation of the innocent joy that all children get when they play. They’re carefree from societal standards that judge their clothing, appearance, education and other factors. The slide can be viewed as a symbol of the inevitable future that everyone must follow in their development. But even then, if one photo can enclose in this brief, but foremost memory in one’s life, there is always one lingering piece of joy behind one’s mind.