/ 2025 / Nature / Domestic Animals

• Prize
  Honorable Mention
• Photographer
  Yoshiaki Kudo, Japan
• Instagram
  yossi_camera

On a sunlit summer afternoon in the hills of Nara, Japan, I encountered this noble deer resting beneath the shade of a tree. Its poised antlers and calm gaze seemed to echo the timeless harmony between nature and creature. Surrounded by blue skies and the hum of distant cicadas, this quiet moment held a powerful sense of dignity and grace. Through this image, I aimed to capture not only the beauty of the animal, but also the serenity and spiritual stillness that defines the sacred lands it inhabits.

I am from Kansai, Japan, and I have been interested in photography for several years. On weekends, when I go out with my wife and children, I like to capture landscapes and moments of the day with my camera. I go out with my family in search of heart-stirring landscapes, and I take my shutter every day to capture the most beautiful scenery on the weekends. I would like to continue to improve my skills so that I can bring excitement and joy to many people through photography.