Sunset by itself is very joyful to look at, but with the view of Downtown just brings me joy. When I'm feeling a little empty in the inside, I go up to the roof of my apartment. The view of the Sunset with Downtown just lights something up inside me, and I walk home feeling that light inside myself. Before I took this photo I felt empty. So I went up the roof and just lost myself in this view. Went back home with a joyful inspiration and enjoyed myself for the rest of the day.
Downtown in the Sunset
Sunset by itself is very joyful to look at, but with the view of Downtown just brings me joy. When I'm feeling a little empty in the inside, I go up to the roof of my apartment. The view of the Sunset with Downtown just lights something up inside me, and I walk home feeling that light inside myself. Before I took this photo I felt empty. So I went up the roof and just lost myself in this view. Went back home with a joyful inspiration and enjoyed myself for the rest of the day.
This is a photo of an old Ansco camera. It represents the joy I get whenever I take pictures and serves as a reminder why I took photography. It was taken in the photography studio in our class.
Drawing With Light
This is a photo of an old Ansco camera. It represents the joy I get whenever I take pictures and serves as a reminder why I took photography. It was taken in the photography studio in our class.
The photo was taken from a mountainside overlooking Long Beach on a calm and peaceful day. The sun provided the perfect warmth—not too hot, not too cool—just a gentle, comforting heat, like being wrapped in a cozy blanket on a breezy night. The sky stretched endlessly, blending soft hues, while the landscape below bathed in the sun’s golden glow. The scene captured a moment of serenity, where nature’s beauty and the soothing atmosphere made it feel like time had slowed down.
I believe this photo is truly special because I was so excited when I captured it. It was one of the first photos I ever took with my personal camera, making it even more meaningful to me. Every time I look at it, it fills me with joy, bringing back the emotions of that moment. I hope that when others see this photo, it brings them the same sense of happiness and appreciation for the beauty I felt that day.
Drifting Sky
The photo was taken from a mountainside overlooking Long Beach on a calm and peaceful day. The sun provided the perfect warmth—not too hot, not too cool—just a gentle, comforting heat, like being wrapped in a cozy blanket on a breezy night. The sky stretched endlessly, blending soft hues, while the landscape below bathed in the sun’s golden glow. The scene captured a moment of serenity, where nature’s beauty and the soothing atmosphere made it feel like time had slowed down.
I believe this photo is truly special because I was so excited when I captured it. It was one of the first photos I ever took with my personal camera, making it even more meaningful to me. Every time I look at it, it fills me with joy, bringing back the emotions of that moment. I hope that when others see this photo, it brings them the same sense of happiness and appreciation for the beauty I felt that day.
A happy friend ready for a education with a joyfully smile ready to go back to school.
Edgar Ready for an Education
A happy friend ready for a education with a joyfully smile ready to go back to school.
Every year, the elves bring me joy. I look forward to seeing what they do. Yesterday, they learned how to sew and read. There were no words in the books. Monday, they did laundry. The elves give me joy when they get into trouble.
Elves Doing Science
Every year, the elves bring me joy. I look forward to seeing what they do. Yesterday, they learned how to sew and read. There were no words in the books. Monday, they did laundry. The elves give me joy when they get into trouble.
This photo was taken at my ranch where I live. I love to run up the mountain to reach the sunset in time. With this photo taken in Novemeber last year, around my birthday, it reminds me of the beauitful skies that get painted every evening especailly after a storm or rain. It is like the happiness after the blue. I took this photo by myself, with me facing San Deigo and the distant cities. I have many more photos of the sunsets because each one is special and different. But I enjoy this one because it shows someone (me) actually enjoying it, rather than just taking a picture of it.
Enjoying Sunset
This photo was taken at my ranch where I live. I love to run up the mountain to reach the sunset in time. With this photo taken in Novemeber last year, around my birthday, it reminds me of the beauitful skies that get painted every evening especailly after a storm or rain. It is like the happiness after the blue. I took this photo by myself, with me facing San Deigo and the distant cities. I have many more photos of the sunsets because each one is special and different. But I enjoy this one because it shows someone (me) actually enjoying it, rather than just taking a picture of it.
Eve
Sabrina H
Student
Los Angeles
2025
Not Selected
This photo was taken at my uncles house, the women on the right is my cousin and the woman on the left is my uncle's wife. Here they were helping each other open a kitchen item and I decided to capture it because they seemed really happy. My photo relates to this year's contest theme, "Joy," because I captured a moment of joy and happiness at its natural state.
Eve
This photo was taken at my uncles house, the women on the right is my cousin and the woman on the left is my uncle's wife. Here they were helping each other open a kitchen item and I decided to capture it because they seemed really happy. My photo relates to this year's contest theme, "Joy," because I captured a moment of joy and happiness at its natural state.
When ever I get the chance I enjoy hiking with my dad to watch the sunset. The times we go there aren't many people so the hike is peaceful and calming. The cool air and the pretty sky brings me joy no matter how stressful my day was.
Evening Hike
When ever I get the chance I enjoy hiking with my dad to watch the sunset. The times we go there aren't many people so the hike is peaceful and calming. The cool air and the pretty sky brings me joy no matter how stressful my day was.
This photograph was taken while picking up my grand-daughter from school. She was full of joy because my grandson and I surprised her by picking her up from school. She saw us from a distance and ran to give us both an excited hug. The little joys of seeing someone unexpectedly can brighten up your day.
Everyday is a Joy
This photograph was taken while picking up my grand-daughter from school. She was full of joy because my grandson and I surprised her by picking her up from school. She saw us from a distance and ran to give us both an excited hug. The little joys of seeing someone unexpectedly can brighten up your day.
Excited
Adriana Z
Student
Glenn
2025
Not Selected
This photo is taken at my brothers house with my nephew sitting next to me on the couch.
This picture relates to this years contest theme ¨Joy¨ because when I took the picture he was mid was laughing when I tickled him on his side.
Excited
This photo is taken at my brothers house with my nephew sitting next to me on the couch.
This picture relates to this years contest theme ¨Joy¨ because when I took the picture he was mid was laughing when I tickled him on his side.
This photograph was taken on campus at the Senior center planter. As you exit the cafeteria this enormous tree sits in the historically senior lunch area. It symbolizes the oldest artifact on campus, so the tree naturally attracts its most senior students on campus. Surrounding the tree are these exquisite flowers that enhance something about the beauty of this area. Now, the beauty brings joy to the students that come to sit under the shade during lunch. It's just as beautiful as sitting on a beach at sunset. Since kids don't like eating in a messy environment they can sit underneath the shade by the beautiful glowing flowers and a calming breeze.
It brings out light and inspires students to think positively creating happy feelings spreading happiness to others. Just as the sunlight touches its petals to capture the sun’s energy, the students take in the flowers' beauty and are happier. From many students, it’s this happiness and joy that students carry throughout the day.
I chose this picture because with all the social anxiety, stress with gymnastics, the increasing homework assignments, this flower represents to me that a little sunlight and a little happiness will help me to continue growing beautifully and proud.
Exquisite Flowers
This photograph was taken on campus at the Senior center planter. As you exit the cafeteria this enormous tree sits in the historically senior lunch area. It symbolizes the oldest artifact on campus, so the tree naturally attracts its most senior students on campus. Surrounding the tree are these exquisite flowers that enhance something about the beauty of this area. Now, the beauty brings joy to the students that come to sit under the shade during lunch. It's just as beautiful as sitting on a beach at sunset. Since kids don't like eating in a messy environment they can sit underneath the shade by the beautiful glowing flowers and a calming breeze.
It brings out light and inspires students to think positively creating happy feelings spreading happiness to others. Just as the sunlight touches its petals to capture the sun’s energy, the students take in the flowers' beauty and are happier. From many students, it’s this happiness and joy that students carry throughout the day.
I chose this picture because with all the social anxiety, stress with gymnastics, the increasing homework assignments, this flower represents to me that a little sunlight and a little happiness will help me to continue growing beautifully and proud.
This photo was taken during a vacation my family took. Throughout this cheerful trip I had an incredible time relaxing at the beach, eating acai, and enjoying walks along a strip of hotels. This relates to the theme "Joy" because it is a beautiful image to look at and demonstrates the calmness and relaxation that was happening when I took the inspiring picture.
Family Around the Fire
This photo was taken during a vacation my family took. Throughout this cheerful trip I had an incredible time relaxing at the beach, eating acai, and enjoying walks along a strip of hotels. This relates to the theme "Joy" because it is a beautiful image to look at and demonstrates the calmness and relaxation that was happening when I took the inspiring picture.
Over Thanksgiving break I went to San Louis Obispo with my Mom, brother, and grandparents. One day we drove to a beach that was near the hotel that we were staying at. My grandma and I were walking along the shore when we saw a couple of diverse rocks. My grandma loves beaches, so I was happy that I got to explore this beautiful beach with her and enjoy the moments we had while we were there.
Family Vacation
Over Thanksgiving break I went to San Louis Obispo with my Mom, brother, and grandparents. One day we drove to a beach that was near the hotel that we were staying at. My grandma and I were walking along the shore when we saw a couple of diverse rocks. My grandma loves beaches, so I was happy that I got to explore this beautiful beach with her and enjoy the moments we had while we were there.
The photo was taken at my school farm. I think my picture relates to this years theme joy because it shows how much fun kids can have during agriculture.
Farm Fun
The photo was taken at my school farm. I think my picture relates to this years theme joy because it shows how much fun kids can have during agriculture.
This photograph was taken at a local city park. This photo relates to the year's theme of "Joy" because of the pure joy that is on the Child's face. There is nothing more joy-filled than a young child experiencing fun things like playing for the first time. In this photograph the father is throwing his child up into the air. The pure joy and excitement on the child's face tell a story of love, happiness, and trust in his father. He is very small but he trusts him with his life, to catch him as he falls back down and every other time after this.
First Flight
This photograph was taken at a local city park. This photo relates to the year's theme of "Joy" because of the pure joy that is on the Child's face. There is nothing more joy-filled than a young child experiencing fun things like playing for the first time. In this photograph the father is throwing his child up into the air. The pure joy and excitement on the child's face tell a story of love, happiness, and trust in his father. He is very small but he trusts him with his life, to catch him as he falls back down and every other time after this.
There are various things that bring us joy to our everyday lives. But what about animals? What about your own pets? For me, it's my dog. Since the first day I met her, I felt a strong bond between us. Every time I look through those irresistible, cute, eyes, I feel full of Joy. I enjoy spending time with her, whether I'm busy, upset, or irritated, I always find a way to make time for her. Fur is so soft, and smooth it's like holding a stuffed animal. She brings me so much joy, I can name every single reason why. What most people don't realize is that dogs have the ability to provide companionship, affection, and can reduce stress and anxiety. Dogs can also boost your mood and your well-being. Not only can dogs keep you company, but they are also important in our lives. Some people who have disabilities are often assigned a service dog. These dogs are specially trained to monitor people, and perform tasks that help the patients in everyday activities. Ultimately, dogs act as a vital tool for many people in various areas of their life, either for medical purposes, or for your well-being.
Fluffy Friends
There are various things that bring us joy to our everyday lives. But what about animals? What about your own pets? For me, it's my dog. Since the first day I met her, I felt a strong bond between us. Every time I look through those irresistible, cute, eyes, I feel full of Joy. I enjoy spending time with her, whether I'm busy, upset, or irritated, I always find a way to make time for her. Fur is so soft, and smooth it's like holding a stuffed animal. She brings me so much joy, I can name every single reason why. What most people don't realize is that dogs have the ability to provide companionship, affection, and can reduce stress and anxiety. Dogs can also boost your mood and your well-being. Not only can dogs keep you company, but they are also important in our lives. Some people who have disabilities are often assigned a service dog. These dogs are specially trained to monitor people, and perform tasks that help the patients in everyday activities. Ultimately, dogs act as a vital tool for many people in various areas of their life, either for medical purposes, or for your well-being.
Munch, bite, gulp. Three juicy, squishy, scrunching sounds of a fulfillment of everyone's lives. New, old, poor, rich, anybody's joy. Anyone's living source of life. Life in that food with flavor, that flavorful flavor. Anyone's love. Everyone's rainbow in their regular meal time everyone takes for granted. Just one more chomp to finish and you'll always cry for more.
Food, food, food.
Munch, bite, gulp. Three juicy, squishy, scrunching sounds of a fulfillment of everyone's lives. New, old, poor, rich, anybody's joy. Anyone's living source of life. Life in that food with flavor, that flavorful flavor. Anyone's love. Everyone's rainbow in their regular meal time everyone takes for granted. Just one more chomp to finish and you'll always cry for more.
The sound of the boots hitting the floor. Music blasting through a speaker. Everyone dancing in unison, clapping and stomping and swinging their feet to the beat. Ordinary people coming together, dancing, escaping from their typical daily lives, to let loose and dance!
Footloose!
The sound of the boots hitting the floor. Music blasting through a speaker. Everyone dancing in unison, clapping and stomping and swinging their feet to the beat. Ordinary people coming together, dancing, escaping from their typical daily lives, to let loose and dance!
I made this photograph of the Santa Monica Pier in late February 2025. This is from the stretch of beach between the Pier and Will Rogers State Beach where just 6 weeks earlier, fires raged just a little further north, from the mountains straight to the ocean. In this moment, it felt important to understand and show that California is a resilient and determined culture full of a diverse people who will continue to thrive in their unique way. Resilient people will find or even create their own joy through the toughest of times. Whether it is the thrill of the roller coaster or iconic ferris wheel in the distance, or the comfort of holding a loved one's hand, simply walking a dog, fishing in the surf or even the peace of just taking a solitary walk along the shore with the comfort of the waves nearby. The peace and joy flow through this image as a key start to the rebuilding and recovery journey.
Forever California
I made this photograph of the Santa Monica Pier in late February 2025. This is from the stretch of beach between the Pier and Will Rogers State Beach where just 6 weeks earlier, fires raged just a little further north, from the mountains straight to the ocean. In this moment, it felt important to understand and show that California is a resilient and determined culture full of a diverse people who will continue to thrive in their unique way. Resilient people will find or even create their own joy through the toughest of times. Whether it is the thrill of the roller coaster or iconic ferris wheel in the distance, or the comfort of holding a loved one's hand, simply walking a dog, fishing in the surf or even the peace of just taking a solitary walk along the shore with the comfort of the waves nearby. The peace and joy flow through this image as a key start to the rebuilding and recovery journey.
Friends
Asa S
Student
San Diego
2025
Honorable Mention
The photo was taken in a mall. Friends are a teenagers main source of joy. The world is scary right now. We need our friends to help us find JOY.
Friends
The photo was taken in a mall. Friends are a teenagers main source of joy. The world is scary right now. We need our friends to help us find JOY.