Exploring Harmony Through the Lens — Vinny Suraj Honored with Silver in Mobile Landscape Photography

Vinny Suraj has been awarded the Silver Award in the Mobile Landscape Photography category at the World Grand Prix Photography Award 2025 Autumn Season for the work Stillness in Motion.

Taken by the lake, Stillness in Motion portrays a group of swans gliding peacefully near a fountain — a visual dialogue between motion and calm. Suraj’s work transforms a fleeting natural scene into a poetic reflection on balance, patience, and mindfulness in modern life.

The photograph also demonstrates the expressive potential of mobile photography, showing how technology and artistry can coexist in a simple yet profound moment.

Q: What inspired you to take this award-winning photo? Is there a story behind the piece you’d like to share?

Vinny: I was taking a walk by the lake when I noticed a group of swans calmly floating near the fountain. The water was moving gently, and yet there was such peace in the scene. It felt like everything was perfectly balanced — movement and stillness together. That moment inspired me to capture what I felt, not just what I saw. That’s how the title “Stillness in Motion” came to me.

Q: Were there any challenges during the process of creating this series or image? How did you navigate them?

Vinny: Yes, the main challenge was the lighting and timing. The light kept changing as clouds moved, and the swans didn’t stay in one place for long. I had to be patient and wait for the right moment when the light, water, and swans all came together in harmony. It taught me that patience is as important as skill in photography.

Q: How do you approach the balance between technical skill and emotional/artistic expression in your photography?

Vinny: I try to use technical skills to support the feeling I want to share, not to overshadow it. For me, photography isn’t just about sharpness or perfect exposure — it’s about emotion and atmosphere. Once I know what I want the image to say, I use my technical knowledge to bring that vision to life.

Q: What message or feeling do you hope your photography conveys to viewers?

Vinny: I hope my photos remind people to slow down and notice the beauty in quiet, ordinary moments. There’s a lot of calm and balance in nature if we take the time to look. With “Stillness in Motion,” I wanted people to feel peace — that even in movement, there can be rest.

Q: In your view, what role does photography play in today’s world?

Vinny: I think photography helps us pause and reflect in a very fast-moving world. It connects people through shared emotions and stories without needing words. Whether it’s showing beauty, truth, or awareness, photography still has the power to move people and make them see the world a little differently.