2010　 Prize-winning works / Other entries from overseas

Orange & Yellow
/ Kato Yuko (Nagano)

Message from the photographer

We go to a girls' school where every day is carefree, fun, and filled with laughter. I think that the subject in my photo essay has a beautiful smile, which is something I became more and more sure of as our shoot progressed. If she were a flower she'd be a sunflower! She's very much a summer-type of girl. I think I was able to capture all these great things about her in the photos. Although I said that "every day is . . . fun" for us, it's not that my friend doesn't ever face challenges and obstacles. When she's having a tough time, seeing her friends' smiles makes her feel all cozy. We'll be applying to colleges soon, and there'll be fewer opportunities for us to keep up with photography. Knowing full well that the situation will change, I want us to have fun while we can.

About the subject

She's my classmate, a good friend of mine, and like me, a member of the photography club. She's always willing to be a model for a shoot; she's also kind and cute.