The Award Award Showcase The Gallery Publications Gears University Expeditions About Us Career Learning & AI Future Curriculum Curiosity & Consciousness Sign In Submit Your Work →

My New Notebook by Ryszard Wierzbicki

Captured during a journey between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, this poignant portrait documents a moment of genuine human connection. While visiting a local village to distribute school supplies and sweets to children, the photographer witnessed a spontaneous outpouring of joy. The image captures a child’s heartfelt smile, a testament to the simple, transformative power of kindness. The photograph is award-worthy for its candid emotional resonance and the photographer's ability to bridge cultural divides, turning a brief humanitarian encounter into a lasting, evocative visual narrative that celebrates the resilience and innocence of youth.

My New Notebook by Ryszard Wierzbicki
Nikon D5000 | Exposure 1/500sec @ f/5.6 | ISO 250 | Focal Length 190mm
Copyright Β© Ryszard Wierzbicki
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Ryszard Wierzbicki

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born in 1963 and a graduate of the University of GdaΕ„sk, Ryszard Wierzbicki transitioned from a career in social sciences and marketing to become a dedicated traveler and photographer. After relocating to the United Kingdom in 2006, he began documenting his extensive explorations of South-East Asia, often volunteering with organizations supporting orphaned children. As the founder of the Instant Travelling and World Around forums, Wierzbicki balances his professional life as a marketing advisor with a deep-seated passion for photography, scuba diving, and cultural discovery.

Profile View Full Profile
12.4/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
216/500
SHARE
SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
15,910 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date May 2, 2014
62.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 11.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 15.0
Style 12.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Louangphrabang, Laos

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Portrait Photography
Ryszard Wierzbicki Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (12.2/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,956/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
15,910/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
2.2/5 points
216/500 Submission
Jury Score: 62.0/80
Resonance Score: 12.2/20
Total Award Score: 74.2/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Clara Whitfield Award Criteria, Legacy & What Makes an Image Endure Expert Review
Most portraits of children in developing regions rely on the cheap currency of pity. Wierzbicki avoids that trap. By focusing on the tactile grip of the notebook against the boy’s chest, he anchors the joy in a physical reality rather than a fleeting expression. It’s a rare, honest capture. I’ve seen thousands of these humanitarian shots, but this one actually makes me smile back. It’ll endure because it respects the subject’s dignity instead of just his circumstances.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/500sec at f/5.6, 190mm. A tight focal length isolates the subject, but f/5.6 on a DX sensor at this distance creates a depth of field that’s barely adequate. It’s technically lazy. The focus is sharp on the eyes, which saves the composition from total collapse. I’ve seen enough of these humanitarian snapshots to grow tired of the sentiment, but the optics here are at least competent. It’s a clean capture, even if it’s predictable.
Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review
The subject’s gaze anchors the frame, yet the composition suffers from a lack of geometric discipline. The background’s chaotic textures bleed into the foreground, eroding the necessary spatial tension. It’s a cluttered plane. While the smile is undeniable, it doesn't compensate for the lack of structural rigour. I’ve grown weary of such sentimental snapshots. The frame doesn't hold. Without a clear fulcrum, the eye drifts aimlessly. It’s a missed opportunity for true visual architecture.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Isabelle Park

The Weight of a Smile

I spent this morning clearing out my desk, tossing away old receipts and dried-up pens. At the bottom of a drawer, I found a small, blank notebook I had bought years ago, intending to write down every big idea I ever had. I never used it.

Read the reflection →
By Yuki Sato

The Unfolding of a Smile

There is a quiet weight to the things we are given, not in the object itself, but in the intention that travels with it. When a hand reaches out to offer something new, it is an invitation to begin again.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

Share your thoughts about this award-winning photograph. Your reviews contribute to the community engagement score.

3 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Geometry of KinshipGoodfellas, by Tareq Uddin Ahmed - Wildlife Photography, Photography Award, Photo of the Day, Nature Photography, Bird PhotographyGeometry of Dead Forest, by Sergiy Kadulin - Nature Photography, Award Winning Photography, Photo of the Day, Landscape Photography, Fine Art PhotographyThe Architecture of Silence