NIGHTTIME WONDERS

Beauty can still be seen even shrouded in a veil of darkness. Capturing that beauty was the objective of the KASPER x Photography “Nighttime Wonders” competition, where students submitted their best photos, coupled with little snippets of text that cemented their emotional connection with the photograph. In this article, we will showcase the work of the three winners of the competition. 

3.  Clifford Lee 

No  personal description was given for the photograph. 

In this photograph we are presented with a vista of luminous light in the midst of a tonally grim backdrop, with the dark blue-ish green hue accenting the lighter bright yellow and red tones of the Japanese restaurant scene displayed forefront in the frame. The restaurant boasts completely visible lettering even in the complete dark, highlighting the theme of clear wonder in the night. Enveloped by darkness (and in this case the darkness could possibly be hunger given that the subject is a restaurant), Clifford saw the light at the end of the tunnel and decided to capture it, making for a tonally-interesting and visually-sound picture - a photograph that's personality stems from its bold interplay of contrast and composition. 

2. Angelica Hsu

Angelica: This photo was chosen because, in the midst of the darkness, the fireworks stand out, illuminating the beauty and bringing life to the night. It is significant because the Disney castle represents universal childhood, reminding us that we always carry that childlike spirit within us, regardless of age. The relationship with the theme, Nighttime Wonders, is to show how this wonder, known around the world, shines even at night, keeping its charm and magic intact.

Symbolically brilliant and visually bold, Angelica’s picture rightfully earns its spot as the second most impressive submission.

1. Anonymous Student

No personal description was given for the photograph. 

Securing the number one spot, this photograph takes the theme and puts a wonderful twist on it. Most of the photos submitted consist of dark backdrops and a lighter focal point, and though this formula makes for some very visually-intriguing pictures, this student’s photo was able to accomplish that same electric atmosphere and feeling by flipping the formula on its back. This photograph’s brilliant presentation makes it so that only the dark silhouette of the object in the forefront is visible, shifting the emphasis to the gorgeous burnt-hazel backdrop of textured clouds cruising in the sky. Technically impressive and aesthetically immersive, this submission is a treat for the eyes and the soul.