Nikon Photo Contest 2018-2019

Open Award photo story

Bronze Prize

《冬暖》组照(Photo Story "Warm Winter")

赵 林(Lin Zhao)

China

Story

“Warm Winter” Taken by Lin Zhao It is the middle of winter, and we can see through the window that the sky is cold and the land is frosted. There are 436 letters neatly arranged on the desk. A mother, well over the age of 90, carefully opens one of the letters. The paper has yellowed with age, and the writing is smeared, yet she is trying to carefully read it. These 436 letters had been preciously kept away for 50 years. They tell many stories, some that are beautiful, heartwarming, joyful, and sad. Each paragraph describes sincere emotions; feelings towards parents, friendship, affection, and the nostalgia of home. Time stops and memories are evoked as she reads the last letter her father sent to her, over 50 years ago. She remembers his gentle expression as she reads each sentence. Letters allow us to see that person again. There is a photo of a husband and a wife with their child under a pomegranate tree by an old house, 50 years ago. Various feelings come back to her, and she can remember things as if it was just yesterday. Time changes, the Internet has spread throughout the world, and letters are becoming a thing of the past. WeChat has allowed us to directly see the impact of changes in society, and it has become easier to see each other. The old mother has also accepted these changes and connects with people through WeChat. She has learned to view Moments, and enjoys the new experiences and sensations brought about by technology. Yet still, nothing can bring back feelings of the past the way letters do. Those beautiful emotions become a part of our memory, and what is in the past becomes a part of our experience. Warm and precious moments can be preserved forever. We can cherish what is left for the rest of our lives. The mother reads her letter again tonight. Winter in 2018 feels a bit warmer than usual.

Comment

Nikon Corporation of Japan has provided a platform for photographers around the world to show the world's local customs. Thanks to the judgement work arranged by Nikon Photo Contest Office, which enables the outstanding works to be exhibited. Thanks to the Contest Office for encouraging my work "Warm Winter".

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