Waiting by Shariful Alam

Captured during a Memorial Day excursion to Balboa Park, this image centers on a row of empty chairs that serve as a poignant metaphor for the human condition. The photographer was struck by the inherent loneliness of the scene, viewing the chairs as symbols of perpetual anticipation. By utilizing a tight focal length, the composition isolates these objects against their environment, emphasizing the narrative that human waiting is a continuous, cyclical experience. The image is award-worthy for its ability to transform a simple, everyday sight into a profound philosophical reflection on the nature of longing and patience.