This is an exceptionally well-executed piece. The composition, color palette, and background are all of a high standard. The judges were torn between the Grand Prize winner and this work until the very end. The reason it missed the Grand Prize is the lack of impact. While it is well put together, to be blunt, it didn't convey the captivating charm that draws you in. However, as mentioned initially, the overall execution is outstanding, so I look forward to the artist's next piece. I am confident that they will submit even more captivating photographs in the future.

I am impressed by the outstanding lighting that accentuates the texture and smoothness of the skin together with the enchanting and elegant composition that highlights the blue, red, and green colors. I also commend the meticulous focus on every aspect YUZURUHA, the subject, wishes to showcase. Personally, I believe that a slight trimming of the left and bottom sides of the figure could enhance the overall balance and make it an even more cohesive piece. Congratulations on winning First Place!

Congratulations on winning First Place! The captivating presentation is beautiful, and the combination of the black background, blue lighting, and arrangement of the trees is eye-catching. The way the light flows diagonally from the upper right to the lower left, leading your gaze naturally, is particularly impressive.

The mysterious and enchanting aura of the figures, set against the backdrop of the night, makes this piece highly captivating. The composition, reminiscent of the Japanese Mikaeri Bijin (Beauty Looking Back) painting, has a simple yet compelling force that draws one in. The lighting, bringing out the gloss of the figure's skin, the flow of hair, wrinkles in the kimono, and the overall curvaceous beauty, is masterfully executed. Congratulations on winning First Place!

This piece makes me feel like I'm walking down the street at night and stumbling into a yokai... The composition is beautifully crafted. The perfect arrangement of the trees, the overall diagonal flow of the composition, and the gaze that draws you in create a mesmerizing scene. The light hitting the figure and the mist-like blue glow in the background contribute to an eerie atmosphere. It's a simple yet captivating ukiyo-e-like composition. Congratulations on winning First Place!

This is an incredibly cool piece. It stood out prominently among the many submissions. It might be because there were fewer monochrome photos in this round of submissions. Technically, the excellence of the black and white arrangement using the rule of thirds is outstanding. I personally believe that composition is everything in a photograph, and I was strongly drawn to the perfection of the composition in this piece. If I were to suggest one improvement, it would be the lack of a clear focal point. While the overall presentation is cohesive, it's a bit regrettable that the most important element, whether it's the face or the backside, is not clearly defined. Looking forward to your next piece!

The impressive decision to trim the figure, discarding the overwhelming scale of the entire body, including the hair that spreads on the floor, and the use of the pole as the boundary between white and black, show an outstanding sense of creativity! This work goes beyond the simplistic notion of 'black and white equals stylish' and instead demonstrates a deliberate choice of monochrome to achieve a specific effect. Congratulations on winning First Place!

Congratulations on winning First Place! This monochromatic piece not only emphasizes details but also achieves an eye-catching balance by using the Rule of Thirds by dedicating one-third of the piece to black.

The photo subject possesses a lot of volume and intricate details, yet the deliberate close-up composition and black-and-white photography create a powerful image that conveys a sense of mass. The contrast between the cute bunny and the monochrome photo's coolness is captivating, and the intentional darkness on the right side adds to the overall impression. Congratulations on winning the First Place!

This work, with its simple yet powerful composition in black and white, immediately catches the eye. The clear separation of colors with the pole, and the glimpse of white, like swallowtail tails, within the black, show a great attention to detail. The positioning of the bunny on the white side is well-balanced, and the silhouette work is skillful. Congratulations on winning First Place!