Reaching for Light + Others

By Victor Fu-Zhou

Reaching for light

This photograph grabs a frozen moment of wonder as a child stretches up toward a ceiling of shining bulbs and swinging chains. Photographed in stark black and white, the image draws the eye to contrast—between shadow and light, innocence and complexity, earthiness and aspiration. The composition lifts the eye up, echoing the child’s stretch and inherent desire for something just beyond reach. This photograph speaks to curiosity as a human impulse, and the persistence of the imagination, especially among the youngest among us. It is both a contemplation of light and an invitation to the pursuit.

House on Red

A classic blue house improbably perches on the side of a concrete building, framed by severe industrial lines and muted color. The contrast between the reassuring familiarity of a suburban home and the cold, geometric surroundings generates a subtle tension—both amusing and disquieting. 

Morning Sunlight

This photograph shows the sun rising over tall trees and casting long shadows across a quiet park. The soft glow and golden light highlight the texture of the grass and leaves, creating a quiet, early-morning atmosphere. This photo focuses on the calmness and freshness that generally come at the start of a new day—when everything is new, and the world is only waking up. It’s an ordinary moment, but one that opens up to pause and appreciation.

Light on Alcatraz

Light is shining upon Alcatraz prison in California, with mountains in the background. The light is warm and glowing upon the island, as if divine light is smiling upon the souls of the damned hidden in the old prison.  

Insomnia

A visual expression of nighttime near insomnia, where I am unable to sleep because of the amount of thought that is going through my brain. The photo itself is a contrast of light and darkness, with the darkness of sleep being spread on the bottom left of the image with the bed and the light of the lamp and thought on the top right. the darkness is surrounding the light though, and almost consuming it, demonstrating how sleep does eventually creep upon me. Monochrome was chosen to show more of a contrast. In addition to the light and darkness on the photo itself, there is a smaller scale battle on the features of the person as well, with the darkness consuming the light while the lamp keeps showing light only on one side. As I am not complete awake but only halfway so.

Above the Clouds

This photograph illustrates the contrast between the eventfulness and wonder of earth and emptiness of space. The contrast emphasizes the thin nature of our atmosphere. Black and white was chosen to further exemplify the contrast.

 

Victor Fu-Zhou is a high school student with a passion for exploring the world through the lens of a camera. Looking to preserve fleeting moments, they experiment with various genres of photography—from Monotone to Landscape—to preserve emotions, light, and memory. Whether capturing quiet personal reflections or vibrant scenes for others, their work captures everyday stories that often become forgotten.