Kuanglong Zhang, the 2025 Mobile Photography Awards photographer of the year, captured a heartwarming scene in the ancient Chinese city of Kashgar that reminds us of the simple pleasures in life. The photo, titled 'The Joy of the Brothers,' shows two young boys playing football after school, their faces lit up with happiness.
A Contrast of Worlds
Zhang, who lives in the modern port city of Shenzhen in southern China, was visiting Kashgar when he took the image. Located near the borders of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan, Kashgar is an ancient, landlocked city with a distinctly different character from Zhang's home. He was captivated by the unfamiliar streets and alleys, and during his exploration, he came across the two brothers.
Composition and Technique
Zhang used the telephoto lens on his iPhone 14 Pro Max to enhance the contrast between the children and the painted yellow buildings, creating a cleaner composition. 'I set up the shot so they’d be on the left and right side of the frame to create a sense of visual balance,' he explains. 'Since both of them are facing left, it gave more space on that side so the image doesn’t feel cramped.'
Reflections on Happiness
The obvious joy on the boys' faces prompted Zhang to reflect on his own sources of happiness. 'Taking a good photo can make me happy for a long time, just as a soccer ball can bring great joy to two little kids,' he says. The photo serves as a reminder that the path to happiness can be remarkably simple. 'There are many beautiful moments in life,' Zhang adds.
The image, shot in 2023, has been widely praised for its emotional depth and technical skill. It stands as a testament to the power of mobile photography to capture genuine, fleeting moments of human connection.
