Through the Lens Challenge Winners

Photography is more than just capturing images—it’s about freezing moments in time that tell a story, evoke emotion, and reveal a unique perspective. In the Through the Lens Challenge, we asked Vocal+ creators to share a photograph that captures a powerful moment and the story behind it. The result? An extraordinary collection of heartfelt, thought-provoking, and visually stunning pieces that truly embodied the essence of storytelling through photography.

After carefully reviewing the shortlisted entries, we are thrilled to announce the winners! Each of these stories stood out for their emotional depth, originality, technical excellence, and ability to transport us into their world. From deeply personal narratives of loss and love to breathtaking reflections on nature, resilience, and human connection, these winning entries exemplify the power of a single captured moment.

Without further ado, let’s celebrate the creators who brought their unique visions to life—one frame, one story at a time.

🏆 $500 Grand Prize Winner: Captured in a Photo, Held in my Heart by Hannah Hess

Hannah Hess delivers a powerful reflection on love and loss through a single photograph of four generations at a puzzle table. Her poignant storytelling captures the bittersweet realization of her Nana’s declining health, making the image a lasting symbol of family, memory, and grief. The emotional depth and seamless connection between the story and the photo make this entry truly unforgettable.

🥈 $200 Second Place: Dark Enough by Dana Crandell

Dana Crandell masterfully turns a personal disappointment into an unforgettable journey, capturing the beauty of resilience through astrophotography. His story of an unplanned trip, a supportive partner, and a breathtaking night under the stars resonates deeply, proving that sometimes the best moments come from unexpected detours. The rich storytelling and reflective message make this entry a standout.

🎖️ Runners-up: $15 Each

It's Just a Selfie by L.K. Rolan

L.K. Rolan transforms a simple selfie into a deeply personal and powerful reflection on survival, transformation, and resilience. Through a series of life-changing events, the repeated motif of “It’s just a selfie” underscores the profound weight behind seemingly ordinary moments. The raw honesty and emotional depth make this entry a compelling and unforgettable read.

Anima by Silver Daux

Silver Daux weaves a mesmerizing and poetic exploration of photography as a tool to capture the soul. With striking imagery and an almost mystical reverence for their subject—a beloved dog—the story transforms a single photograph into a profound meditation on memory and connection. The lyrical writing and unique perspective make this piece deeply captivating and unforgettable.

Jackie by Kevin Rolly

Kevin Rolly delivers a beautifully nostalgic and cinematic reflection on first love, identity, and the power of photography to immortalize fleeting moments. His vivid storytelling transports readers to a windswept beach in 1977, where a single photograph became the catalyst for a lifelong artistic journey. The emotional depth and poetic introspection make this an unforgettable and resonant piece.

girl magic by Jaymie

Jaymie beautifully captures the fleeting, electric moments of girlhood, weaving nostalgia, self-discovery, and friendship into a single snapshot. The story’s rich imagery and poetic reflections elevate an ordinary scene into something almost mythical—where past and present blur, and connection transcends time. It’s a poignant meditation on youth, love, and the quiet magic of simply being.

Unlawful Night Walk by Ian Vince

Ian Vince masterfully captures the eerie solitude of a pandemic-stricken world through the lens of an illicit late-night walk. His introspective and poetic storytelling transforms an ordinary field into a place of quiet defiance, reflection, and existential weight. The blend of isolation, tension, and fleeting freedom makes this piece a haunting and resonant snapshot of life during lockdown.

Grief. by Morgan Longford

Morgan Longford delivers a heartbreaking yet deeply beautiful tribute to their beloved dog, Linus, capturing the immense love and unbearable grief that comes with losing a lifelong companion. The raw, unfiltered emotion and intimate storytelling make this piece incredibly powerful, resonating with anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet. It is a stunning reflection on devotion, memory, and the profound impact of unconditional love.

The Magic of a Big Mound of Dirt by sleepy drafts

sleepy drafts turns an unexpected adventure into a captivating story about creativity, spontaneity, and the beauty of artistic intuition. The piece captures the magic of discovering something extraordinary in the ordinary, as well as the connection between photographer and subject. With immersive storytelling and a fresh perspective, this entry perfectly embodies the challenge’s spirit.

Captured Memories by Kelsey Clarey

Kelsey Clarey delivers a deeply touching reflection on memory, grief, and the importance of preserving the moments that define our loved ones. Through a single candid Christmas photo, she beautifully contrasts past joy with present loss, making this piece both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. The raw honesty and emotional resonance make it a standout entry.

Just a couple of Kids by John Cox

John Cox beautifully captures the joy, wonder, and deep bond between a grandfather and his grandson. His heartfelt storytelling transforms ordinary moments—bear hunts, roughhousing, and shared laughter—into a touching reflection on love, legacy, and the timeless nature of play. This piece radiates warmth and nostalgia, making it an unforgettable read.

Third Time's the Charm by Laura DePace

Laura DePace crafts a mesmerizing tale of perseverance, wonder, and the magic of witnessing the Northern Lights after years of chasing them. Her vivid storytelling pulls readers into the journey, making the eventual sighting feel like a shared triumph. The blend of nostalgia, determination, and sheer awe makes this piece truly enchanting.

Rainbow Solace by Sneha Pradhan

Sneha Pradhan beautifully captures a transformative moment of struggle, resilience, and renewal through the lens of a sudden downpour and an unexpected double rainbow. Her poetic storytelling intertwines personal reflection with nature’s symbolism, creating an uplifting and emotionally resonant piece. The raw vulnerability and ultimate sense of hope make this a powerful and inspiring entry.

Call it Apophenia by Meagan Dion

Meagan Dion crafts an emotionally raw and deeply introspective piece that explores grief, memory, and the eerie coincidences that shape our understanding of loss. Through haunting imagery and a beautifully woven narrative, she captures the weight of generational sorrow while finding meaning in the smallest of details. This poignant reflection on life, death, and the connections we cling to makes for a truly unforgettable read.

A Miraculous Moment I thought Would Never Happen by Karen Cave

Karen Cave captures the overwhelming love, fear, and awe of meeting her daughter for the first time after years of fertility struggles. Her vivid retelling of a turbulent birth experience, followed by the sheer joy of finally touching her child, makes this piece deeply moving and unforgettable. The raw emotion and heartfelt gratitude shine through every word.

Youngest and Oldest by Ruth Stewart

Ruth Stewart beautifully captures the evolving complexities of family bonds across generations. Through a simple yet deeply meaningful selfie, she weaves a rich history of estrangement, reconciliation, and newfound belonging. The warmth and authenticity in her storytelling make this a touching and heartfelt reflection on the power of connection.

Halloween '09 by Mother Combs

Mother Combs delivers a powerful story of resilience, capturing a mother’s unwavering love and a child’s unbreakable spirit. What seems like a simple Halloween photo holds a lifetime of struggle and triumph, making this piece a deeply moving testament to survival. Bonnie’s journey from a critically ill toddler to a joyful and strong young woman is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

🏅 Honorable Mentions

As our challenges continue to grow, we are celebrating even more incredible writers with Honorable Mentions—a special spotlight for stories that stand out for their creativity, originality, or emotional impact. Writers who receive an Honorable Mention get a special badge that appears on their profile, showcasing their achievement and contributions to the Vocal community.

• Interspecies Encounter by PK Colleran
• "Forever Young, Bon Jovi live." by Neli Ivanova
• School Pictures by Raistlin Allen
• Beneath the Olive Sky by Emmie Falbo
• The Last Sunset by A. J. Schoenfeld
• The Impromptu Road Trip by kp
• ISHIRINI by Andrea Corwin
• An Exhausted Hummingbird Finds Her Second Wind by Elle M. Athens
• New Orleans Memory by Judey Kalchik
• When the Trickster Leads you Home by Kate Kastelberg

To explore more Challenges, please visit Vocal Challenges.