Honorable Mention TIFA 2025 Nature / Astrophotography

Gateway to Eternity

  • Photographer
    Yuya Shibata
  • Technical Info
    A7IV, SEL14F18GM, 3 exposures (12s F1.8 ISO2000 / 15s F1.8 ISO4000 / 91s F2.8 ISO4000), composite
  • Photo Date
    09/28/2024

Beneath the Milky Way, a torii stands lit by crimson spider lilies. In Japanese lore, the torii marks the threshold between human and sacred; the lilies, 'flowers of farewell', signify death, rebirth, impermanence. A lone lantern-bearer serves as guide, leading viewers toward the unknown. Its glow links earth and sky, life and eternity. This is not a record of place but an invitation to reflect, where culture and nature meet. Uniting gate, blossoms, and stars, the work says: through impermanence we find the path; every journey to eternity begins with a guide.