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Drinking Time by Nazmul Shanji

In this captivating wildlife study, the photographer captures a serene moment of avian behavior at a narrow forest stream. After patiently waiting for thirty-five minutes in the National Botanical Garden, the photographer was rewarded when the birds descended from the canopy to drink. The image masterfully balances the stillness of the environment with the delicate movement of the subjects. This photograph is award-worthy for its remarkable patience and the photographer's ability to transform a fleeting, natural interaction into a beautifully composed, intimate portrait of wildlife in its habitat.

Drinking Time by Nazmul Shanji
Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
Exposure 1/125sec @ f/5.6 | ISO 800 | Focal Length 300mm
Copyright Β© Nazmul Shanji
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Nazmul Shanji

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nazmul Shanji is an Electrical Power Engineer who transitioned from a background in professional music to pursue a dedicated career in photography. Inspired by his wife to turn a lifelong interest in nature into a serious craft, he has refined his skills through intensive self-study and formal coursework in photojournalism and professional photography. Shanji specializes in wildlife, nature, and street photography, consistently striving to develop a unique artistic signature that reflects his personal observations of the world.

Profile View Full Profile
11.6/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
135/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
10,873 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date December 29, 2017
66.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 17.0
Style 12.0
Skill 13.0
Photograph Location
National Botanical Garden, Dhaka, Bangladesh

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Nazmul Shanji Photography
Wildlife Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (11.4/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,314/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
10,873/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
1.4/5 points
135/500 Submission
Jury Score: 66.0/80
Resonance Score: 11.4/20
Total Award Score: 77.4/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Sophie Delacroix Emotional Narrative, Viewer Response & Psychological Impact Expert Review
Before the eye identifies the birds, a sudden stillness settles in the chest. It’s the quiet of a forest floor, that held-breath moment before the ripples break the surface. I find my own pulse slowing to match the rhythm of their descent. When I return to this, I don’t see wildlife; I feel the cool, damp shade of the Dhaka canopy. It’s a rare, fragile intimacy that makes me want to step softly, afraid to shatter the silence.
Catherine Byrne Photographic History, Canon & the Long View Expert Review
It’s a delicate dance, isn’t it? Shanji’s patience at the stream echoes the quiet observation of Eliot Porter, yet the 300mm compression flattens the depth in a way that feels distinctly modern. I’m struck by the tonal transition between the plumage and the water; it’s a subtle, painterly grace I haven’t seen in quite this light before. While it doesn’t reinvent the wildlife genre, it’s a refreshing, intimate departure from the usual hyper-saturated digital noise. I’m genuinely charmed.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/125sec at f/5.6, 300mm, ISO 800. It’s a precarious balance. At 300mm, 1/125sec is asking for motion blur, yet the Canon 7D’s sensor held the line. The f/5.6 aperture provides just enough separation from the foliage to isolate the subjects. I’ve spent hours in similar hides; the patience required here is exhausting. You’ve managed to keep the shutter speed high enough to freeze the movement without sacrificing the exposure. It’s technically sound. A disciplined, precise execution.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Daniel Ferreira

The Unclaimed Commons

We often mistake the city for a collection of buildings, roads, and infrastructure, forgetting that the urban fabric is also a biological map. In the dense, frantic sprawl of a metropolis, we carve out pockets of green, designating them as sanctuaries for nature.

Read the reflection →
By Isabelle Park

The Quiet Between Sips

I spent this morning watching a robin on my windowsill. It didn't seem to notice me at all, even though I was only a few inches away behind the glass. It just tilted its head, dipped its beak into the small puddle left by last night’s rain, and went about its business.

Read the reflection →

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