Photo contest prize-winning work

<General comments by judge (photographer Tadayasu Ozawa)>

When selecting works, the most important thing is the power to break through. Next, the content that expresses the feelings is important. When it comes to "special landscapes" in Gifu City, many people tend to use similar compositions and subjects, but we have selected works that are unique and yet convey the charm of Gifu City.
As is the case every year, there are a lot of photos of sunsets and night scenes. Of course, they are eye-catchingly beautiful, but I would also like to see an increase in photos of blue skies during the day.
There were also many works that just missed out on a perfect shot. These can be improved by changing the way you develop the film or by taking good care of your lenses, so try to focus not only on when you take the photo, but also on the steps before and after.

*Unauthorized use or reproduction of all photos is prohibited.

Grand Prix

"Mist or cloud?"
Chihiro Sako

Location: In front of Ugaya Police Box Judge's comment: This is a work that evokes the spring mist. By using a telephoto lens to blur the foreground, the cherry blossom trees look like clouds, and Gifu Castle appears to be floating on the clouds. It's a wonderful piece that transcends time and space, like a picture scroll.

Semi-Grand Prix

"Diamond Gifu Castle"
Koji Fukuda

Location: Right bank of the Nagara River (near Kinka Bridge)
Judge's comment: This is a work that makes good use of difficult lens flare. The imposing composition with Gifu Castle in the center and the evenly projected flare make this an undisputed classic shot.

"Distant view of Mount Kinka"
Yoshifumi Yamaguchi

Location: Chidoribashi Bridge, Gifu City Judge's comment: This work has beautiful colors at dusk. It was shot just before sunset, but the dark setting creates a sense of emotion. The sight of the cormorant boats going upstream brings to mind the activities of people in the past, traveling by boat.

Outstanding performance award

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  "Sunset and Net Fishing"
  Naomi Ito

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  "Even in the Rain"
  Isao Inoue

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  "Koyomi no Yobune"
  Shigenori Shinoda

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  "Silver Golden Flower"
  Akihiro Suzuki

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  "Men of the Festival"
  Yutaka Ito

Selected

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  "Ubune Bonfire"
  Yoshihiro Noguchi

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  "Winter leaves"
  Kazuko Nakatsuji

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  "Autumn colors of Mt. Kinka"
  Shigeki Ozawa

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  "After the prayer for safety"
  Yoshinori Nakatsuji

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  "illumination"
  Yoshifumi Eguchi

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  "Thank you"
  Hirofumi Baba

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  "Gifu's Treasure (Symbol)"
  Daigo Ito

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  "Bonds with Hangzhou City"
  Yasutoshi Kataoka

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  "Time for rest"
  Mamoru Shimizu

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  "Gifu Usho who continue the tradition of sweetfish fishing"
  Hiroaki Okabe