I want to capture a photo in the forest, exploring the theme "Inside and Outside." I love the way light filters through branches and leaves, creating beautiful contrasts for photography. My image will show sunlight breaking through the trees, illuminating the grass, while shadows define the depth of the forest. This contrast between light and shadow will emphasize the feeling of space—being both inside the woods and looking outward. Nature’s beauty is highlighted by this interplay, revealing the quiet strength of trees standing tall, like shelters in the wild. Walking through the forest, I seek these moments where light transforms the scene, making the ordinary magical. This photo will reflect the harmony between the enclosed forest and the open world beyond.

This image explores the tension between the inside—human society—and the outside—the vast, expressive unknown. The escalator represents progress, repetition, and constructed order, rising like a loop we can’t escape, echoing systems and patterns that define modern life. Are we still anchored to Earth or have we already crossed into the sky? The ambiguity challenges our sense of scale and direction. The northern lights suggest the outside—nature, freedom, and imagination. The juxtaposition asks us to consider where we truly are. Within the limits of human-made structures, or on the edge of something greater? It holds us in a moment between the constructed interior of civilization and the boundless, luminous exterior of the unknown.

By placing a lone toilet deep within the natural expanse of the woods, this piece explores the absurdity, necessity, and quiet dignity of human presence in the wild. The toilet — a symbol of civilization, sanitation, and vulnerability — becomes estranged from its usual context, drawing attention to the fragile intersection between the built and natural worlds.

The first night I was in Spain, I went to my hotel’s party without any expectations. It was a night I will be telling my grandchildren about. Our group of high school students were taken in by some lovely older local women, and we danced until the music stopped. At the end we were all sweating, tired with smiles plastered on our faces. But in that moment, it felt like everything that haunted us simply floated away. We were in that room, dancing together and that was it. It didn’t matter that we couldn’t understand what we were saying, or that we came from different sides of the world. It was just us at that moment.

That is what I wanted to capture. The vibrancy of that night in Spain, the vibrancy of those women, the vibrancy of the city. 

Even in death, there is life. When I found this hollowed-out tree, it wasn’t just a dead stump to me—it was a reminder that endings don’t always mean emptiness. Inside its decaying core, I imagined tiny creatures making homes, life continuing quietly, unseen. I chose to photograph this moment because it reflects something deeply personal: that hope exists even when things seem over. Nature often shows us that what looks broken or finished might just be the beginning of something new. Through this image, I want viewers to feel that sense of quiet resilience—that even in darkness, life finds a way. 

As a child, I played at this basketball court every day, often ending up jumping the fence into the ditch to retrieve my ball or someone else’s after it bounced over. Returning here after many years, I see this place as a reminder of the time that has passed and a way to reclaim old memories that have felt distant since the pandemic. I took a photo from beneath the bushes where I used to crawl to retrieve the basketballs. I took this as an Inside/Outside themed image both in how I took it (inside bushes, inside a ditch, behind a fence looking out) but also as a representation of my memories externalized.

I’ve always liked the human anatomy pages in my biology textbook. They often feel unspeakably bizarre when I suddenly turn to them. It feels like the body is speaking to itself. So I combined human anatomy onto myself to create this creepy but in some way beautiful image.This makes me feel that humans are delicate machines and that what defines us is just the pile of flesh beneath our skin. Connecting human minds with the body—and always seeking for self-understanding—means a lot to me.

It was 1:48 PM, clear skies. I was drawn to the contrast between the open, breezy landscape and the thick fortress wall that separates people from the sea. The figures scattered across the lawn appear small against the vastness of pure green—capturing both the freedom of the outside world and the invisible boundaries that define our spaces. The wall, the ocean, and the distant red dome evoke questions of what lies just beyond our reach.

My work focuses on the moments in nature with shifts in light and texture. The picture I took was created while going on walks and exploring new places while I was travelling while following my intuition. By nature photography allows me to slow down and become more aware of my surroundings and focus on the beauty of places and nature, also finding things to capture. I want people to notice the small details in life within nature and travelling.

Inside and outside aren’t as opposite as they seem. To me, home is the point of origin from which one perceives the world. They define the private “inside” and manifested “outside.”  Yet, we often perceive ourselves through others and society, which twists and twirls like the reflection in the water. The bars on both sides of the image represent the barrier to seeing ourselves in the “real” external world,  and in our minds (the reflection), and the wavy image indicates how the image is prone to even the slightest breeze. 

Looking through the bars, I see that the shaky water image and the solid building are both parts of me. To understand yourself, see both your inner feelings and the world’s reflection of you.

I'm fascinated by the tension between the controlled, intimate space of a car's interior and the chaotic, unpredictable world outside. The sleek red leather and design evoke a sense of excitement, security, and power. Through the windshield, a person walking by reminds us that, while we're in our personal bubble, the world continues beyond the glass. My image captures that moment of tranquilly and excitement before stepping into a space where identity is both expressed and protected. It invites viewers to reflect on how we create boundaries in our lives, buildings, and appliances to safeguard ourselves yet remain connected to the world around us. This contrast between protection and connection is at the heart of the work.

This photo holds a deep personal meaning for me because it represents both the beginning and the end of a significant chapter in my life. It was one of the first pictures I took upon joining my photography class, and now, coming towards the closing days of the course in my final year of high school, it brings in a really strong feeling of nostalgia. These panes of glass in the picture are more than just inside and outside; they reflect my personal growth and the friends I've made along the way.

I have always been passionate about the outdoors. Living in Vancouver for the past 15 years, I have seen the city grow and morph alongside me. With this piece, I wanted to capture the stark contrast of modern architecture in Vancouver against its original natural beauty. In this photo, the building reflected the beauty of the sky while also mysteriously not allowing the viewer on the street to peer inside. Although we know the inside of this building does not truly reflect what's on the outside, the irony of it literally reflecting the Vancouver sky was a playful take on the theme Inside/Outside.

I am an aspiring photographer interested in making viewers pause and examine my work. I enjoy creating quiet and calming images that allow the viewer to bring their ideas, connections, and understanding to the work. My inspiration comes from my favourite photographer, Masao Yamamoto. Adding my interpretation to the minimalistic and peaceful energy found in his images, I added a camera within the frame to portray the photographer’s perspective. Instead of seeing the final product, the viewer observes the process; the composition from the photographer’s eye. The real world becomes the outside, and the digital screen becomes the inside. I want viewers to generate their opinion of the message within.

Nature is meant to coexist with us, yet the concrete walls we’ve built blind us from perceiving its beauty. When the sun descends, its radiance reveals intricate patterns across different man-constructed surfaces. Light then pierces through our windows, seeping its way into our urban lives. While this building appears to have an “irregular” structural design, from an alternative standpoint, the curves and form of these waves can seem organic. The inspiration we take from the natural world is still being woven into modern architecture. I hope viewers are left with the impression that the beauty of cities is both influenced by human design fabricated from within ourselves and the silent choreography of our external surroundings.

In this work, I want to express a contrast that is not just between inside and outside but between human-made structures and the natural environment. I was inspired during a walk to the garden at the University of British Columbia. The moment I opened the door, I was struck by the view. It felt like stepping into another world. That experience led me to use the wooden door as a frame. It represents more than a physical frame. It symbolizes the mental and social “frames” we often live within. My message is that we should reconnect with the natural world and look beyond the limits placed on us by society. We often see life through coloured lenses shaped by expectations. This work reminds us to step past those boundaries and discover what lies within.

When I photograph, my goal isn’t to adhere 

strictly to all the guidelines and rules; instead, I focus on capturing something beautiful that holds meaning for me. As an introverted student, photography provides an opportunity for me to express myself in a quiet and authentic way, without the need for extensive speech or presentation. I am particularly fascinated by how buildings showcase their shapes, lines, and shadows, both inward and outward. My aim is to explore the balance between exterior and interior elements, discovering the beauty of architecture by creating visual tension with lights and shadows, which captures contrasting moments.

A window is made to be seen through. It is a hole in the wall that lets you peer at the outside world without taking a step. Yet that convenience is limiting, tempting to trap one behind the glass panel, never actually adventuring outside the confined comforts of the interior space. 

Sunlight forever filtered through the window never falls directly on the skin, the same as the experiences filtered through the screens in our lives. This image is an allegory for the minds that have voyaged the virtual world but never set sail outside their homes to experience it with their bodies.

Photography was my voyage to challenge myself with something new, and I hope this piece inspires you to venture outside your comfort zone as well.

The inside view of a camera shows the outside world. The first camera is pointed towards a cut-open apple, which creates a layered inside-outside theme. An interesting and subtle lighting effect takes place around the border of the frame of the first camera.

As a Grade 11 student at University Hill Secondary, I explored the beauty of Vancouver through photography. I was amazed by how easily everyday streets and scenes could feel like art. Through my lens, I captured the city’s aesthetic charm, its architecture, light, and quiet moments. This project is a reminder that beauty isn’t always found far away; it exists near us. I hope viewers walk away seeing Vancouver recognizing the amazing scenery in the spaces we often overlook.

I am a photographer interested in capturing Vancouver through a unique lens that is different and eye-catching. I enjoy taking long exposure photos that capture the lights of cars. I captured this photo because of my passion for cars and history. My inspiration comes from my childhood, mixing it with the present Vancouver and making Vancouver abstract. I chose to take the photo inside the car which captures the outside which is the Lions Gate Bridge. I used a car mirror to experiment with the theme Inside Outside, capturing the movement of cars while keeping the car mirror still and capturing the Lions Gate Bridge. I want my viewers to experience Vancouver in a way that is unique and leaves them thinking about Vancouver’s beauty.

Amongst the pile of wilting leaves and twisted twigs is a world of insignificant and fickle insects. In our turbulent lives, there is rarely a moment of respite. When would one ever notice the world beneath them? As a human that towers above the ground, my eyes aren’t sharp enough to spot an insect. Instead, I imagine them in all of their simplistic glory. Only in my mind are they visible. Only in my mind will I understand them. I’m insignificant like them. Unseen and invisible. My image will cross your mind for a split second, only to be washed away by the tide. Perhaps one day, I will become visible.

The person you present yourself to be can be extremely different from the person you actually are. As humans, our social lives are full of appearances and personas - so much, in fact, that we can start to confuse our outward image with our inner character. When we focus too much on our image and presentation, we can start to lose the essence of who we are. When I struggled with mental health in the past, I would hide my problems under a cheerful character, convincing myself that I was okay. This work serves as a reminder for us all to look past our outside personas and embrace our true selves.

I see the world as a place for everyone to create in. But creating isn’t simply making things up; it’s subverting the expectations of society. I bring an element of focus to the photos I create from a knowing perspective. When I see something that stands out and challenges what we perceive as normal, through my human eyes I look for the invisible yet ever-present line. When I find it, that's when I start to line up my shot with the camera. I always do it in a way so the lines point to the edge of the image. This invites your eye to focus on the centre of the image, where I put the subject of my simple work.

As a student, I’m at a stage in life where I am gradually moving away from childish mindsets, striving for the vast new world ahead. Yet, this journey is filled with confusion, fear, and a sense of being lost, as I wander in the boundary between the familiar space of school and the complex realities of society. Within the walls of school, everything seems simpler, which is expressed in a black and white lens in this image. Yet this inside world constrains us, and stepping outside seems to reveal a broader, more fascinating world. My artistic intention is expressed with a clear vertical line of the building dividing the image, as well as the use of color and double exposure.

I love photography, music, and film because they open a pathway for me to express emotions that words do not do justice. No matter where I am or what I am feeling, art is always there, asking to hold the totality of my human experience.

This building, the Vancouver Public Library, is a great example of inside-outside architecture in the city, as well as another constant in my life. I remember admiring it constantly as a child, and also now as a young adult.

I lived near the beach, where many tourists and common villagers live. We used to go around the tourist street sometimes to walk. During this spring break, I happened to find a sign from a bar advertising in a teasing way towards women that 'big-boobed women get free shots,' which captivated me enough to take a picture of its degrading depiction of women through emphasizing their curvy bodies and, while intentional or not, showing their breasts and visible vaginas through their bikinis, which seems like an invitation to harass tourists within the club sexually. All of us must be able to recognize these horrible behaviours in places we used to grow up.

I took this photo from outside the building, looking in. The outer walls are clean and sharp, but the reflective interior bends and twists everything inside. I was drawn to how the reflections made the space feel unfamiliar. It connects to the inside/outside theme by showing a contrast between the outside and the inside. I wanted to capture that feeling of standing outside, trying to understand something that isn’t fully visible.

There was a time in my life when I couldn’t tell the difference between my real life and fiction. Everything around me blurred together as I walked through life barely aware of the fact that I was walking. I never felt like I was anywhere; I just felt like a brain floating through space. I didn’t realize that I was experiencing dissociation, a psychological term that essentially means your brain and body feel disconnected. This work is my way of expressing to others how it felt. It's an isolating, wholly internal experience that I could never explain. I hope that this work helps others understand what I went through or helps others going through it now.

I take pictures to capture the exciting moments in our daily lives. I’m intrigued by the things we experience every day and how unique they can be. Through my photography, I focus on moments that make me stop and appreciate what’s around me. It’s about showing the world as I see it and sharing that perspective with others.

This photo, taken in Dragon Alley, Victoria, explores the idea of moving from isolation to openness and discovery, not only physically, but also emotionally. The secluded tunnel represents a place of stasis, while the view at the end has a sense of warmth and uncertainty. The contrast invites the viewer forward, symbolizing new possibilities and a movement into the unknown. I wanted to capture the feeling I had when I first entered Dragon Alley. I felt as if I was discovering a secret, led by the sign at the end of the tunnel.

A mere photograph, to what extent can it convey? To freeze a moment in time, the capture of contemporary events, or a new creation poking into the unknown. To look at a photo, the stories it can hold, do you investigate the truth, or fantasize your own?  Of these are questions I have for myself, to that I ponder, whether it is possible for one to take a photo where no story exists, forcing the coming of unique interpretations between different individuals? To what point, would a photograph be worthy of “creating a story for,” before it becomes worthless?

I am someone who is both introverted and extroverted. One day, I might spend an entire afternoon quietly reading a book, and the next, I’ll be involved in outdoor sports or social activities. This difference mirrors the theme’s contrast. Beyond highlighting contradictions, I want the image to reveal how "inside" and "outside" coexist and create balance. Similarly, my introverted and extroverted traits blend perfectly, allowing me to adapt. For instance, when studying, I focus deeply indoors for hours. Conversely, when seeking connection, I step confidently out of my comfort zone. Through this photo, I hope to convey that contradictory qualities can coexist, and when successful, they become a source of strength.

My photograph is a simple record of what I saw, no message, no story, no attempt to stir emotion. It captures a quiet moment from a solitary point of view. After watching Lee Chang-dong’s film Poetry, I realized that even the smallest, most ordinary moments can hold deep meaning when seen through the eyes of someone who lived them. I love photography for its ability to preserve a memory, a place, or a feeling even as everything else changes. Though my photo may seem empty to others, to me, it holds a fleeting breath of existence, too small to explain yet too precious to forget. In its stillness, it carries the quiet weight of a moment that mattered simply because I was there to feel.

In the mind of an athlete, visualization is one of the greatest tools for achieving success. The process of visualizing oneself performing an action in one’s own head, free of distractions, is highly beneficial when it comes to eventually reaching a goal. Entering one’s mind can allow one to achieve a state of calm, as well as remind oneself that they are capable of achieving whatever they have been working towards. My photograph is meant to represent this state of visualization. The empty, dreamlike environment allows the skateboarder to focus solely on his actions. One’s internal preparation influences their external performance because the mental game is just as important as the physical.

It's a quiet afternoon on Granville island, and it is like a beautiful shelter in a busy life, accommodating all the tired people. I am a person who yearns for peace and ease in my heart, so I also want people to feel safe and comfortable when they see my work. I was inspired to take this photo by the bridge, and when I saw the bridge, I came up with the theme of this photo shoot "inside and outside", because the bridge is like a dividing line between the peaceful world inside and the noisy streets outside, creating a sense of safety and peace for people. The message I want the audience to get after seeing my works is to make them willing to embrace the happiness in life in a busy society.

I believe interactions with others have deep impacts on our emotional and mental well-being. When we hang out, chat, and even just sit with others, it constantly affects how we feel emotionally and mentally.

This work explores the idea of opening up to others. Opening up to people can shed light on how we feel inside. When we struggle through hard parts in life, opening up to friends and family can illuminate those dark places, bringing hope, light, and love into our lives.

This picture shows raindrops on a window, and if you look closely, each drop has a tiny reflection of the world outside. The background is blurry and filled with cool blue tones, which gives it a calm and peaceful feeling. It almost feels like the world is being seen through a different lens. I chose this image because it shows how there are many ways to see the world just like how each raindrop shows a slightly different view. It reminds us that even when things seem the same, there is always another side or perspective we might not have noticed before.

Not too many people have the opportunity to live in a floating community, and I feel grateful for being part of one. They don’t have a traditional backyard; the ocean borders their living space. Instead of looking out and seeing neighbours walking their dogs, I see seals and boats passing by. People in my community paint their houses in unique colours. I have always wondered why they chose the colours they have on display. The water reflects the colour on the exterior of the homes but does not reflect what’s inside. What does the colour on the outside say about the people who live in them? See if you can come up with an imaginary story about the occupants’ motivations in making their colour choice.

I enjoy photographing anything, but I particularly find architecture to be fascinating and beautiful. I love to see the shapes and lines through the photograph, and I especially liked playing with the light in this photo. The light seeping through and shining onto the walls inspired me to take this image.

We all live in this big bubble. Sometimes I can't help but wonder what's out there.

I am an international student from Colombia who came to Vancouver a year ago. Looking back on the past year, I realized how much I have changed since coming to Canada. I became more disciplined with my studies, got used to the cold, improved my English, and met amazing friends and teachers. In my image, I chose to put a photo of the school doors because the school in Vancouver was the place where I changed the most in my life in a positive way. I put a half photo of myself because it represents the merging of my old self with the new self I discovered in this school environment.

I am drawn to the quiet conversations between light, structure, and space. My work explores how architecture can hold emotion, memory, and transition, capturing the delicate boundaries between inside and outside. Inspired by the way natural light moves across surfaces and transforms environments, I use photography to reveal unseen connections between public spaces and private feelings. Through research and reflection, I focused on how simple architectural elements—lines, textures, reflections— tell complex stories. In this project, I invite viewers to slow down, notice the shifting light, and reflect on how space shapes experience. I hope my images offer a quiet moment of connection, encouraging viewers to see the familiar in new, thoughtful ways.

Humans are obsessed with looking at the sky, there’s a natural connection between us and nature. The sky isn’t just a beautiful view - it brings peace. I felt this when I was overwhelmed by pressure about my future, stressed from reading countless university and major descriptions. Just as I was about to lose it, I looked up and saw soft, white clouds. I imagined lying on them, and although I was still in my chair, I felt calm and happy. That simple moment helped me breathe again. I want to inspire others to do the same—to step outside, look up, and feel that sense of release. Sometimes, the sky is the best escape.

I chose to do these pictures because students are starting to stop going outside and experiencing simple, fun things like being outdoors. I created it to show that, although school is important and plays a crucial role in your life, what is your life if not memories? I, for one, do not want a bunch of memories just stored in a library. My inspiration for this work stemmed from the number of people I see daily who can study for hours but refuse to go to the beach to swim or fish. I also like the idea of making two photos that connect both in and out of context. The message I hope people gather is that it’s okay to go outside and do something fun that doesn’t harm anyone; enjoy being a kid before responsibilities pile on.

On a normal day after school, the boys were all desperate. We couldn’t find anywhere to catch a breath, so we sat down on the grass and started counting out chips. Recalling this poignant moment, I figured that misery and contentment is often symbiotic. This project allows me to share my understanding through a simple picture. The two components of my photo are like parallel lines; one represents the life and prosperity of this world, while the other demonstrates aspects of greed and degeneration. I am bringing these two parallels together as a metaphor to show that struggle and joy are not opposite forces, and often coexist in the same human experience.

I tried to explore the contrast between structure and openness in this project, which is how architecture both limits and reveals our perception of nature. I was inspired by the photo of Fan Ho of a woman standing behind the covered window. For this photo, I attempted to capture a gridded glass ceiling, framing the sky and treetops beyond. I aim to investigate space and perspective through constructed boundaries. This project is from my walk in downtown Vancouver beneath skylights that made me feel simultaneously enclosed and liberated. Through this series, I hope viewers will question what frames their own view of the world.

I was attracted by the quiet and brief moments, those unremarkable yet emotionally charged moments in daily life. From the glass's surface, raindrops create a displaced world that brings novel verses to everyday views. The faded shape creates a standpoint to represent reality and separation. Through this work, I hope to evoke people's thoughts on impermanence and find solace in silence. Even in the silent rain, there is profound beauty and moments worth stopping to witness.

As an art student specializing in drawing and painting, I have created a mixed-media piece combining a real photo of a dissected frog with illustrated internal organs. When thinking about the theme, Inside/Outside, I realized that comparing a frog's body to a building structure reveals intriguing parallels. 

By juxtaposing anatomy and outward form, I highlight life’s fragility and parallels between biological and architectural structures. Both frogs and buildings adapt to their environments, yet remain vulnerable to external pressures. My work not only engages the viewer but also challenges perceptions of these reptiles that we often overlook or are even prejudiced against and realize their place in our world is just as important as the structures we need.

As warm light spills onto the ground, I watch onwards at two people sitting and enjoying a quiet evening together.

My goal with this image was to capture the intricacies of stiller moments. By combining aspects of both architectural and street photography, a simple story was told through what a daily occurrence would otherwise be. Here, the soft amber glow that radiates from the windows of the shop adds a touch of whimsicality and renders the scene far cozier and more intimate than the colder surrounding urban landscape. Additionally, the interaction between the couple sitting at the tables adds a touch of connection and life, inviting the viewers to seek out their own stories within this cinematic shot.

What do you make of this?

I captured the simple moment of a dog standing alone on a balcony, gazing directly into the camera. That photograph captures the space between freedom and safety.  It invites me to explore the invisible line I all walk between the inner and outer worlds we inhabit.

Inside and Outside is more than just physical space. It's also emotional. The dog has a home, food, and affection. There’s inspiration in that stillness. We view a balcony as a relaxing space, to breathe fresh air, to feel the weather. However, for the dog, the balcony is the limit of freedom, the closest it can get to the wider world without crossing the line. In a noisy, restless world, this photo reminds us of the power of inside. It asks us to consider what "outside" really means.

This photo captures a quiet moment I almost missed: a spider web stretched between branches after the rain. Its delicate, yet strong strands made me think about how structures like buildings are made to withstand many different conditions and how something this small can do the same. It made me think about the idea of inside and outside. The web is out in the open but also feels like a small, protected space. That contrast felt meaningful to me as it is something that I would have normally dismissed, but this time, I decided to take a photo of it.

This photo, DEC25, shows a snow angel—simple, playful, and fleeting. It captures a moment where the inside meets the outside: someone’s inner joy, imagination, and energy pressed into the quiet, cold snow. The imprint is a gentle reminder of how we leave little pieces of ourselves in the world without even realizing it. It’s about being present, feeling free, and connecting with nature in a way that’s both personal and shared. The snow will melt or get covered, but for a moment, something real was there. This image is about that in-between space—where what’s inside us meets the outside world, and even if it doesn’t last, it still matters. It’s a soft, temporary echo of joy, captured before it fades.

This picture was taken while I was looking up inside the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in Victoria. To draw attention to the red Canadian flag and the deep blue ceiling, I used selective colour to enhance the saturation. To help pull the eye forward, the remainder is in black and white. The sense of being in a powerful location that links to something greater—such as history, identity, and nation—was something I wanted to explore. The beautiful ceiling reflects the beauty and significance found within, while the flag symbolizes what is outside. The boundary between within and outside, both in locations and in ourselves, is a common theme in my work. I want viewers to be surprised by what they see and how it relates to them.