Prize-winning works in the “Photo and Essay Division” for high school students of the 31st Yomiuri Photo Grand Prix

Living in the Moment! My best friend: Patricia Garcia / Stephanie Wagner (USA)

Message from the photographer

I chose Patricia as my subject because she is always herself. When others are in front of the camera they become ‘proper’, but Patricia will always act the same. It is easy to capture and see her vigor for life and her youth. Being beside her, it feels as if you can achieve anything. She gives off this aura that anything is possible, even the most ridiculous of things. With her by my side, I felt at ease to step out of my comfort zone and express myself in a whole new way. A spontaneous thing like yelling at the top of her lungs in a public places is so normal to her that it’s almost impossible not to join in. While photographing her, I came to realize my hidden admiration for her bold independence. I idolize her audacity and hope that one day I can be as confident as her.

About the subject

I first met Patricia in 5th grade. Our school schedules were almost entirely the same these past 5 years, so we became very close and now, naturally, best friends. We both take extremely stressful Honors classes, and while I am always tired, Patricia never fails to be full of energy. We have been almost inseparable all these years, and she has never failed to allow a dull moment to occur. In capturing photographs of her in her prime, most lively years, I took forward to the one day we can look back at these and laugh. She has influenced me to become who I am today, and when others look at these photos, I hope they too, are inspired by her everlasting enthusiasm to ‘live in the moment.’