Gold in Fine Art/Landscape / 2026 / Fine Art / Landscape

• Prize
  Gold in Fine Art/Landscape
• Photographer
  Jochen Bongaerts, Belgium
• Date of Photograph
  17-11-2025
• Website
  https://www.jochenbongaerts.com
• Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/jochenbongaerts/

I captured this photograph during a cold sunrise at one of the lakes near Mount Fuji, Japan. After several mornings of waiting, everything finally came together.

Mount Fuji was partly hidden by dense mist as ducks drifted quietly across the water. Just as the first light broke through the mist, the middle duck spread her wings.

Surrounded by light and mist, her silhouette reminded me of the mythical phoenix.
The title, *The Fuji Phoenix*, refers to this symbol of resilience and renewal.

My passion for photography began 18 years ago after seeing a series of nature images of my hometown, Lommel.
From that moment, I knew I wanted to capture the world through my own lens.
Photography has since shaped how I see the world. It pushes me to explore, chase the right light and see the beauty in fleeting moments.