The Warm Sanctuary: Lai He-Yan Finds Courage in the Waters of Niagara Falls
Taiwanese visual artist and independent film director Lai He-Yan (賴赫琰) achieved outstanding success at the World Grand Prix Photography Awards 2026 Autumn Season, earning a total of three awards across different mobile photography categories—including a Gold Award in Mobile Photography - Creative & Edited for The Warm Sanctuary (歸途), as well as two Silver Awards for The Other Shore (彼岸) and Against Destiny (逆命). Photographed at Niagara Falls, his Gold Award-winning work The Warm Sanctuary places a small boat against the immense scale of water and cliffs, turning a dramatic natural setting into a personal tribute to friendship and support. Following his impressive showing, we invited Lai He-Yan for an exclusive feature interview to dive deeper into the story and inspiration behind his Gold Award-winning piece.
The universe is vast, and we are but dust within it.
On the path of rebuilding my life after emerging from darkness, the world often felt overwhelmingly cold and immense. The heavy, suffocating clouds and the relentless surge of giant waterfalls mirror the internal isolation and uncertainty I once carried.
During those quiet, lonely seasons, my dear friend Ting-Yu Chang became the gentlest anchor in my life. She never needed loud declarations; she simply stood by my side, shielding my fragile spirit with quiet understanding against the cold winds of reality. She gave me the absolute solace of knowing that no matter how hard I fall or how far I strain, she will always be there to catch me.
In this frame, the vast sky and towering cliffs represent the formidable weight of destiny, while the small vessel navigating the wide waters mirrors the courage I regained through her silent protection. This photograph captures more than the majesty of nature; it witnesses a personal redemption—a reminder that no matter how ice-cold the world is or how wild the storm becomes, having a warm sanctuary in one's heart unleashes infinite strength.
Because of this sanctuary and unshakeable grace, I can finally walk forward into this immense world without fear, grounding every step on a path that is truly my own.
Interview
Q: What is the narrative or story behind this award-winning piece, and what inspired you to capture this particular moment?
Lai He-Yan 賴赫琰: I am deeply honoured that The Warm Sanctuary received a Gold Award. Standing above Niagara Falls and watching a small boat navigate the turbulent water, I felt a surge of emotion: the scene finally gave visible form to something I had imagined. My close friend Chang Ting-Yu has been a constant source of encouragement. Knowing she is there for me has allowed me to keep moving forward. This photograph is both a commemoration and a tribute.
Q: Were there any unexpected creative or technical hurdles during the making of this work, and how did you overcome them?
Lai He-Yan 賴赫琰: The moisture and mist beside Niagara Falls were intense, so I had to capture the image quickly before the lens became overwhelmed. There were also many visitors. At times I needed to ask strangers whether I could briefly use their position, or wait patiently for a clear view. Beautiful moments can be fleeting, and sometimes making a photograph requires courage.
Q: How do you approach the balance between technical skill and emotional/artistic expression in your photography?
Lai He-Yan 賴赫琰: Technical ability comes from continual practice, observation and learning. You cannot wait until the decisive moment to develop your skills. Emotion also requires attention: by examining what we feel and the layers behind each experience, we develop a richer means of expression. For me, both the refinement of technique and the understanding of emotion are part of art.
Q: What key emotion or thematic message do you hope viewers walk away with when experiencing this piece?
Lai He-Yan 賴赫琰: I hope the composition catches the viewer’s attention first, but that the story invites them to return. The belief at its centre is that close friends can become the family we choose. Whatever storms we encounter, a true friend can keep a safe harbour open for us, offering encouragement and support.
Q: In your view, what role does photography play in today’s world?
Lai He-Yan 賴赫琰: Some people see photography primarily as a record, but I see it as a collection of stories. Each image has its own meaning. I began by trying to preserve beautiful moments; over time, the camera and light became a way for me to process my experiences and share my journey with others.
Editor’s Note
The Warm Sanctuary uses a striking contrast of scale: the small vessel appears vulnerable beside the monumental forces of Niagara Falls. Lai He-Yan transforms that visual tension into a metaphor for support and recovery, grounding the image in a specific friendship rather than an abstract message of perseverance. The photograph’s emotional force lies in the distance between what the scene shows and what the artist asks it to carry.
Artist Biography & Follow
I am Lai He-Yan (賴赫琰), an independent film director and visual artist, and a second-generation Taiwanese-Vietnamese immigrant. I believe in integrating all my resources for both commercial and artistic creation, continuously striving for breakthroughs. As a creator who has re-entered society after leaving prison and constantly proves my self-worth through my craft, I hope to use my own story to encourage anyone currently caught in a low valley or fighting hard for their goals. Keep striving toward your dreams, and all things beautiful will make their way toward you.
I am Chang Ting-Yu, from Gaoshu, Pingtung. I am deeply honored that the work The Warm Sanctuary records the bond between us. I have seen the most authentic and vulnerable sides of each other. When someone falls into the lowest valley of life, anyone can become a light in the other's life. Through accompanying each other along this journey, I've come to deeply realize that extending a hand to encourage and catch someone is a two-way street—it not only grants courage to the other person, but it is also a powerful way to transform yourself and become braver. In the future, we hope to use our own influence to encourage everyone around us.
About the World Grand Prix Photography Awards
The World Grand Prix Photography Awards (WGPPA) is an international online photography competition welcoming photographers working across a range of creative disciplines. The awards recognise photographic achievement and provide opportunities for winning works to be showcased online. Selected winners are also featured in editorial interviews published by WODACC, giving readers a closer look at the stories and creative processes behind their work.
For photographers exploring international photography competitions with opportunities for online visibility and winner interviews, WGPPA offers a way to share their photographic practice with a wider audience.
Explore the competition: https://www.wgppa.com/
