WINNERS' INTERVIEW

ー　What made you decide to enter the Nikon Photo Contest?

For most photography enthusiasts, following contests and industry news becomes second nature. Studying past winners helps improve our craft, while recognition from professional platforms and institutions motivates continued creativity. This kind of positive feedback and validation is especially valuable for independent photographers. When I saw the contest announcement, I jumped at the chance, and carefully selected work that matched the theme.

ー　Do you have any episodes to share related to creating your award-winning Nikon Photo Contest work (photo or film)?

This series is really about ‘family and love’. After my mother passed away suddenly, everything changed. My father was alone in our hometown while my siblings and I had settled in different cities. I often worried about him, wondering how he was coping with the drastic changes in his life, thinking about him by himself in that empty house. I wanted to spend more time with him and use photography - the medium I know best - to capture his real life now. I chose film photography to give these precious moments a richer texture and meaning. It keeps the warmth and authenticity of the images but is also a tangible medium for these memories, making them more vivid and enduring.

ー　Tell us about your recent activities. Have there been any changes in your career and/or other aspects of your life since winning your Nikon Photo Contest award?

I'm progressing, shooting, and learning. I’m focused on film photography with my hometown as the backdrop and documenting my family and my father as I gradually form a personal photographic theme. Learning-wise, I split my time between studying photography books, distilling inspiring content, including pioneering photographers' creative philosophies and attitudes, and organizing my work - which is crucial since unorganized photos might as well not exist. The award has connected me with other photographers and led to opportunities like being invited to Shanghai's Nikon flagship store for an offline photography-sharing event. The award has boosted my confidence and given me the determination to keep following my creative vision.

ー　What does shooting photos or films mean to you?

For me, photography is a way of communicating with the world; it’s become a part of my daily life. I believe photography chose me, not the other way around. When I'm shooting, I feel completely at ease and joyful. It helps me express myself and reconnect with everything. Photography is a lifelong pursuit for me, and I'm very grateful for that.

ー　What’s your message to people considering entering the Nikon Film and Photo Contest?

Be brave in following your beliefs. Trying is a form of wisdom, even if it means facing failure. That, too, gives you something special. Keep learning and creating - wonderful things will come, and you could be next.