My photo relates to the theme presented this year because it demonstrates what we are really after in life in the foreground, with the beauty of what is available to us, but not sought after, in the background. It shows what is right in front of our face and what we are directly focused on, with nature right there, all we have to do is expand our narrow vision. We tend to strive for the luxuries in life: lavish properties, extravagant cars, or in this case an expensive, fancy Italian meal. While we work constantly and without rest to earn money in order to be able to afford these indulgences, we often ignore the true luxury that is always available to us: nature. As an urban resident, one would assume that the beautiful environment would be inaccessible to an inhabitant of a megalopolis, known for the destruction of the outdoors. But nature is everywhere, sometimes you just need to look a little harder for it.
A Fancy Italian Dinner
My photo relates to the theme presented this year because it demonstrates what we are really after in life in the foreground, with the beauty of what is available to us, but not sought after, in the background. It shows what is right in front of our face and what we are directly focused on, with nature right there, all we have to do is expand our narrow vision. We tend to strive for the luxuries in life: lavish properties, extravagant cars, or in this case an expensive, fancy Italian meal. While we work constantly and without rest to earn money in order to be able to afford these indulgences, we often ignore the true luxury that is always available to us: nature. As an urban resident, one would assume that the beautiful environment would be inaccessible to an inhabitant of a megalopolis, known for the destruction of the outdoors. But nature is everywhere, sometimes you just need to look a little harder for it.
This picture was taken at a flower shop, where there are a lot of flowers and color to experience. It relates to the theme because not many people know how to take pictures of nature or any type of flowers. Yes, what I would like the judges to know is that I love these pictures. They are my favorite,
A Little Fresh
This picture was taken at a flower shop, where there are a lot of flowers and color to experience. It relates to the theme because not many people know how to take pictures of nature or any type of flowers. Yes, what I would like the judges to know is that I love these pictures. They are my favorite,
When I visited Japan last summer, one of the things I had to complete on my bucket list was to ride the Shinkansen, Japan's bullet train. Luckily enough, I had the chance to ride it when going to Kyoto from Tokyo, hence why I took this photo. I went to the cabin entry door and took a picture of a view outside the window. I chose to use this photo from my recent travels to Japan, because I am fascinated by the technology and efforts the Japanese pulled into launching the most successful bullet train in the world.
I believe it is "phenomenal" in itself that train technology has advanced so far. Considering the train was moving at speeds above 200mph, it's insane that I was able to capture a diversity of the Japanese countryside, some hills, and a view outside the window itself. It still amazes me to this day that I was able to ride on a technological marvel.
A Marvel of Mankind
When I visited Japan last summer, one of the things I had to complete on my bucket list was to ride the Shinkansen, Japan's bullet train. Luckily enough, I had the chance to ride it when going to Kyoto from Tokyo, hence why I took this photo. I went to the cabin entry door and took a picture of a view outside the window. I chose to use this photo from my recent travels to Japan, because I am fascinated by the technology and efforts the Japanese pulled into launching the most successful bullet train in the world.
I believe it is "phenomenal" in itself that train technology has advanced so far. Considering the train was moving at speeds above 200mph, it's insane that I was able to capture a diversity of the Japanese countryside, some hills, and a view outside the window itself. It still amazes me to this day that I was able to ride on a technological marvel.
This photo of acrylic swirls on a paper plate create their own unique phenomena because it is a creative situation to observe the separation of the liquids in paint and mixing them together with another in ways that don't create a new color but rather a new view of how paints can be combined.
Acrylic Swirls
This photo of acrylic swirls on a paper plate create their own unique phenomena because it is a creative situation to observe the separation of the liquids in paint and mixing them together with another in ways that don't create a new color but rather a new view of how paints can be combined.
The photo was taken indoors in a white lit room. This relates to this year's theme, because we often in society get consumed by everyday activities like school and jobs. As humans, we rarely take time to learn about other perspectives of other species in the world. In this photo, society can sort of set themselves in perspective of other species In the world like an ant. I tried to interpret the image of humans observing everyday species in a way the audience can become an ant and put themselves in their position.
An Ant's World
The photo was taken indoors in a white lit room. This relates to this year's theme, because we often in society get consumed by everyday activities like school and jobs. As humans, we rarely take time to learn about other perspectives of other species in the world. In this photo, society can sort of set themselves in perspective of other species In the world like an ant. I tried to interpret the image of humans observing everyday species in a way the audience can become an ant and put themselves in their position.
Arid
Samuel P
Student
Riverside
2020
Honorable Mention
I was walking home when I noticed this and instantly wanted to take a photo. The phenomena happens when there isn't enough water to be absorbed and causes a cracking effect.
Arid
I was walking home when I noticed this and instantly wanted to take a photo. The phenomena happens when there isn't enough water to be absorbed and causes a cracking effect.
I was shooting with a film camera and when walking down the walk, I saw what seemed like a doorway to the beach. It took me a second to realize that I was looking at a mirror. I thought it was funny. I really believed an unusual thing could occur and I decided I should shoot a photo of it.
Beach's Doorway
I was shooting with a film camera and when walking down the walk, I saw what seemed like a doorway to the beach. It took me a second to realize that I was looking at a mirror. I thought it was funny. I really believed an unusual thing could occur and I decided I should shoot a photo of it.
Millions of years of evolution is seen just on the outside and you can see that the plant is there to protect what is inside and make sure no outside force will disturb it
Best Defense
Millions of years of evolution is seen just on the outside and you can see that the plant is there to protect what is inside and make sure no outside force will disturb it
I took this photograph of a potted plant on my deck. The plant isn't normally much to look at, but I covered my camera lens with a holographic bag a friend gave me which created the colorful effect in the photo. The potted plant isn't usually what would be considered a phenomenon, as it's neither rare nor impressive nor particularly interesting. However, with the camera lens and the holographic bag, I was able to shoot something that involves the eyes with color and creates the rare sensory experience of a phenomenon for the viewer, out of an ordinary plant.
Blue Plant
I took this photograph of a potted plant on my deck. The plant isn't normally much to look at, but I covered my camera lens with a holographic bag a friend gave me which created the colorful effect in the photo. The potted plant isn't usually what would be considered a phenomenon, as it's neither rare nor impressive nor particularly interesting. However, with the camera lens and the holographic bag, I was able to shoot something that involves the eyes with color and creates the rare sensory experience of a phenomenon for the viewer, out of an ordinary plant.
This photo was taken in a studio with the lights off. The theme "phemomena" to me means something unrealistic or a fantasy. In this project I wanted to experiment with light painting to see what I could create.
Blue Soul
This photo was taken in a studio with the lights off. The theme "phemomena" to me means something unrealistic or a fantasy. In this project I wanted to experiment with light painting to see what I could create.
This photo is a brilliant scene of the phenomenon of the beautiful colors of a male peacock that I was able to see while in a zen garden in California. It was a remarkable experience to be so close to one so calm and I had never seen the colors of a peacock as bright as this one.
Brilliant Peacock
This photo is a brilliant scene of the phenomenon of the beautiful colors of a male peacock that I was able to see while in a zen garden in California. It was a remarkable experience to be so close to one so calm and I had never seen the colors of a peacock as bright as this one.
At the start of this brief essay, I didn't really know what the contest was really asking for. I thought phenomenons had to be pictures of unexplainable events like the eruption of a volcano. I was blinded by the idea that phenomenon had to be something mind-blowing and complicated. But I wanted to pull out something from our every day lives that, as humans, we looked over with no significance and capture it with my camera to preserve the moment for people to see. And than It hit me, The biggest phenomenon of all is the ability to communicate and create a special bond between us, our friendship. it is something that we cannot explain. Our world revolves around the necessity to make bonds and relate to other people. If you feel excluded with no friends, you will get depressed and your perspective of life will change. Since the beginning of history, even in books, like "Adam and Eve" the entire concept revolves in human connection. Phenomenons are so special that they cannot be willingly captured because there is no explanation to it. I did not mean to capture friendship, only two guys hugging. I was only able to identify what I captured after taking the picture. This is why friendship is a phenomenon.
Bromance
At the start of this brief essay, I didn't really know what the contest was really asking for. I thought phenomenons had to be pictures of unexplainable events like the eruption of a volcano. I was blinded by the idea that phenomenon had to be something mind-blowing and complicated. But I wanted to pull out something from our every day lives that, as humans, we looked over with no significance and capture it with my camera to preserve the moment for people to see. And than It hit me, The biggest phenomenon of all is the ability to communicate and create a special bond between us, our friendship. it is something that we cannot explain. Our world revolves around the necessity to make bonds and relate to other people. If you feel excluded with no friends, you will get depressed and your perspective of life will change. Since the beginning of history, even in books, like "Adam and Eve" the entire concept revolves in human connection. Phenomenons are so special that they cannot be willingly captured because there is no explanation to it. I did not mean to capture friendship, only two guys hugging. I was only able to identify what I captured after taking the picture. This is why friendship is a phenomenon.
This photo was taken outside of a house where there was a thorny rose bush. The model in this photo is my friend Kalliope. I think that this picture is phenomenal because she is posed in such a natural way that shows that she is not really trying but still is the center of attention. The shadow on her face and the lighting in this picture is perfect, also making this a phenomenal piece. A few weeks ago I wanted to have a photoshoot with my two friends incorporating butterflies. After this idea came to mind, my dad and I went to Hobby Lobby to pick out some fake butterflies. While walking with my friends, we stumbled upon a house with a pretty garden with nature that I thought would go with their aesthetics. I thought that this thorn would match Kalliope’s presence by complimenting her features.
Butterfly Goddess
This photo was taken outside of a house where there was a thorny rose bush. The model in this photo is my friend Kalliope. I think that this picture is phenomenal because she is posed in such a natural way that shows that she is not really trying but still is the center of attention. The shadow on her face and the lighting in this picture is perfect, also making this a phenomenal piece. A few weeks ago I wanted to have a photoshoot with my two friends incorporating butterflies. After this idea came to mind, my dad and I went to Hobby Lobby to pick out some fake butterflies. While walking with my friends, we stumbled upon a house with a pretty garden with nature that I thought would go with their aesthetics. I thought that this thorn would match Kalliope’s presence by complimenting her features.
Centered
Sammy L
Student
Los Angeles
2020
Honorable Mention
This photo was phenomenal to me because the squirrel I took a picture of came down the tree to interact with me and the people I was with. I took the photo when it was looking directly at me, and in that moment it felt like I was connected to nature and its animals.
Centered
This photo was phenomenal to me because the squirrel I took a picture of came down the tree to interact with me and the people I was with. I took the photo when it was looking directly at me, and in that moment it felt like I was connected to nature and its animals.
In this photo, I was heading over the freeway to the metro station in which I saw a man, all alone, walking his bike to the metro also. The time this photo was taken was at 7 am in the morning. This shows the poverty amongst Los Angeles. The fact that people can't afford cars, or have to get up on Sunday at 7 am to go and take the metro to work. It's hard for many people, and the gap between the rich and the poor is only increasing. I talked to the guy after in which he said he works in a small office in Downtown LA. Though before we talked, I took the photo to capture the real life scenario of an everyday working man.
City Transport
In this photo, I was heading over the freeway to the metro station in which I saw a man, all alone, walking his bike to the metro also. The time this photo was taken was at 7 am in the morning. This shows the poverty amongst Los Angeles. The fact that people can't afford cars, or have to get up on Sunday at 7 am to go and take the metro to work. It's hard for many people, and the gap between the rich and the poor is only increasing. I talked to the guy after in which he said he works in a small office in Downtown LA. Though before we talked, I took the photo to capture the real life scenario of an everyday working man.
This is a photo of Skittles that I arranged underneath a piece of glass. The piece of glass was a foot above the Skittles. I put water droplets on the glass. I took an out of focus photo of the water droplets.
This photo shows the phenomena of a convex lens because the water droplets acted like a lens and focused the light reflecting off the colorful bullseye made out of Skittles so that the Skittles would be in focus through the lens created by the droplets.
Coloful Convex Lens
This is a photo of Skittles that I arranged underneath a piece of glass. The piece of glass was a foot above the Skittles. I put water droplets on the glass. I took an out of focus photo of the water droplets.
This photo shows the phenomena of a convex lens because the water droplets acted like a lens and focused the light reflecting off the colorful bullseye made out of Skittles so that the Skittles would be in focus through the lens created by the droplets.
I believe that the photo relates to the theme of a phenomenon because it shows how sunlight helps people see the world in many colorful ways. Yes, it has rainbows which are not rare however it shows the scientific process in which sunlight and a crystal or white light contribute to the making of the color spectrum, and how we are able to see these colors.
Color Spectrum
I believe that the photo relates to the theme of a phenomenon because it shows how sunlight helps people see the world in many colorful ways. Yes, it has rainbows which are not rare however it shows the scientific process in which sunlight and a crystal or white light contribute to the making of the color spectrum, and how we are able to see these colors.
At his concert, I was in the front row. He was having fun, singing so great. He is an idol to me, or phenomenal. A phenomenal artist and person. In this photo he looks magical standing above me, a phenomenal figure. This photo was taken at Conan's concert this past December, I was there with my best friend. This photo relates to this year's theme because he is phenomenal in what he does, and this photo captures the powerful feeling. When taking this picture I had the same thoughts I am writing in my head as I do now. It was a great moment.
Conan Gray
At his concert, I was in the front row. He was having fun, singing so great. He is an idol to me, or phenomenal. A phenomenal artist and person. In this photo he looks magical standing above me, a phenomenal figure. This photo was taken at Conan's concert this past December, I was there with my best friend. This photo relates to this year's theme because he is phenomenal in what he does, and this photo captures the powerful feeling. When taking this picture I had the same thoughts I am writing in my head as I do now. It was a great moment.
Cone Man
Joshua F
Student
Los Angeles
2020
Honorable Mention
The concept of phenomena extends to the homeless in America, and the uniqueness of each homeless person in itself is an influence in the way people approach life. Whether it was caused by poverty, mental illness or even unluckiness, the means to which people get on the street are everchanging stories that are constantly overlooked on a daily basis. These people are living the lives that we tell stories about, and they are observed and ignored when they come into contact with other levels of society.
I want the contest judges to know that the value of each person is instantly undermined by first impressions of the homeless, but my work displays powerful messages that should make the judges consider what exists beyond our daily lives.
Cone Man
The concept of phenomena extends to the homeless in America, and the uniqueness of each homeless person in itself is an influence in the way people approach life. Whether it was caused by poverty, mental illness or even unluckiness, the means to which people get on the street are everchanging stories that are constantly overlooked on a daily basis. These people are living the lives that we tell stories about, and they are observed and ignored when they come into contact with other levels of society.
I want the contest judges to know that the value of each person is instantly undermined by first impressions of the homeless, but my work displays powerful messages that should make the judges consider what exists beyond our daily lives.
The original photo of the hole and light pouring through it was taken in a dark roof-covered bridge. It was along the wall of the bridge. The image of the girl was taken in a classroom with a green screen. The photograph intends to embody the phenomena that is the relationship between light and dark. The photographer hoped to show that even when it seems that darkness will consume, light is always ready to stream through. Even if it seems that your mind and body are drenched by darkness- as seen with the girl's image being manipulated to become a silhouette- light will always come and shower you.
Light and Dark will always be related as they are opposites. The two will always be tethered together, and while most people depict the dark as bad, it is important to accept and admire that the two coincide with each other. One cannot exist without the other, and there is something beautiful and phenomenal about that.
Dark vs. Light
The original photo of the hole and light pouring through it was taken in a dark roof-covered bridge. It was along the wall of the bridge. The image of the girl was taken in a classroom with a green screen. The photograph intends to embody the phenomena that is the relationship between light and dark. The photographer hoped to show that even when it seems that darkness will consume, light is always ready to stream through. Even if it seems that your mind and body are drenched by darkness- as seen with the girl's image being manipulated to become a silhouette- light will always come and shower you.
Light and Dark will always be related as they are opposites. The two will always be tethered together, and while most people depict the dark as bad, it is important to accept and admire that the two coincide with each other. One cannot exist without the other, and there is something beautiful and phenomenal about that.