"Delivering Moments That Touch the Heart Through Photography"──Life Studio's Photo Contest "PHOTOFES 2026 vol.4" Grand Prix Announced!

Life Studio PHOTOFES Grand Prix The Grand Prix winning work is "When We Met in the Light" by photographer NANASE of Kyoto Katsura Studio. Life Studio, which operates photo studios nationwide, has announced the Grand Prix winning work of its in-house photo contest "PHOTOFES 2026 vol.4." The prestigious Grand Prix, chosen by customer votes, was awarded to "When We Met in the Light" by NANASE, a photographer belonging to Life Studio Kyoto Katsura. "Telling stories with photos, connecting with photos, moving hearts with photos"──What is PHOTOFES? "PHOTOFES" is an in-house photo contest where Life Studio photographers select "the photos they most want to deliver now" and submit them with their feelings. The Grand Prix is decided by customer votes, and the winning works are featured in various media as iconic visuals for the brand. NANASE's feelings put into the photo Kyoto-Katsura Photo by Nanase / Coordinated by Hina / Written by Nanase The main interior of Life Studio Kyoto Katsura, where abundant light streams in from large windows and many dried flowers are displayed. In front of this very popular interior, we had the pleasure of photographing two adorable siblings, aged 3 and 5, who came for Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese rite of passage for young children). It was exactly the time when backlighting was pouring in. I asked the two to hold flowers and "smell the flowers!" While conveying this simple instruction, they looked at each other, laughed, and chatted a little... showing free movements and expressions. While observing their adorable interactions and movements, I made tiny adjustments of 1 or 2 millimeters to the camera position, moving around to ensure that the flares generated by the backlight would act as an accent in the photo. There was no time for me to hesitate in my movements to ensure that the pouring light would melt into the children's lovely and charming figures. A natural expression, unique to the two of them, shown only for a moment. While being mindful of the horizontal and vertical alignment of the window and shelf, I positioned the two main subjects in a way that adhered to the rule of thirds, and consciously angled the light diagonally into the frame to create a well-balanced and dramatic effect. I want to continue to find wonderful aspects and be able to express them through photos that make you feel an exceptional sense of excitement, as if a story is about to begin in the interior that is characteristic of Life Studio Kyoto Katsura. ──NANASE (Photographer, Life Studio Kyoto Katsura) Life Studio PHOTOFES Grand Prix Award Title: "When We Met in the Light" Photographer: NANASE (Life Studio Kyoto Katsura) Coordinator: HINA Studio: Life Studio Kyoto Katsura Selection Method: Entries from Life Studio Photogenic. Selected by customer votes from among the entries. The work was created at Life Studio Kyoto Katsura Life Studio Kyoto Katsura is Life Studio's first branch in Kyoto. Life Studio Kyoto Katsura is a photo studio where you can spend time in a special space, featuring antique dried flowers and chic, natural interiors. In a warm space reminiscent of a European atelier, bathed in natural light, it beautifully captures the "present" of families. With a complete reservation system and careful shooting for each group, even families with small children can feel at ease. The staff are skilled in communicating with children and are professionals at eliciting natural smiles and candid expressions. It is perfect for those who want to preserve not only milestone anniversaries but also everyday moments as special memories. Award-winning Studio Life Studio Kyoto Katsura Life Studio Kyoto Katsura Address: 5-1 Yamadakurumamachi, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Business Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays) View store details Instagram: @lifestudio_kyotokatsura Store page: https://www.lifestudio.jp/studio/kyoto-katsura PHOTOFES to Continue Regularly PHOTOFES is scheduled to be held several times a year in the future. Common to all works are "passion for photography" and the "moment that touches the heart." Life Studio will continue to provide value that accompanies customers' lives through "photography as an experience," rather than merely a record. ・PHOTOFES: https://lifestudio.jp/magazine/photogenic ・Grand Prix winning work page: https://lifestudio.jp/m