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Power of Eyes by Anastasia Markus

Captured during a lighthearted and enthusiastic photoshoot, this portrait highlights the striking presence of a nine-year-old girl. The photographer was drawn to the subject's intense gaze and charming freckles, choosing to render the image in black and white to strip away distractions and focus entirely on the raw emotion of the moment. This deliberate creative decision emphasizes the subject's powerful expression, elevating a simple portrait into a compelling study of youth and character. The image stands out for its ability to capture a profound, mature depth within such a young subject, showcasing the photographer's keen eye for intimate, storytelling detail.

Power of Eyes by Anastasia Markus
Copyright Β© Anastasia Markus
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Anastasia Markus

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Anastasia Markus was born in Ukraine in Donetsk, studied business at the university, then became interested in photography, and devoted all her time to it. These were children's, family, wedding photography. In 2014, for obvious reasons, she had to leave photography for 10 years, but there is no limit to perfection, so there is a desire to learn and participate in competitions. She believes the spirit of competition opens up new facets for creativity and breathes into something new. Current Location Beer Sheva, Israel Instagram https://www.instagram.com/muzamuza5/ Best Achievements & Exhibitions None Award Winner Photo of the Day Camera Canon EOS-1D X Lenses and Gears Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 l II USM, Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 USM, Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM, Canon 85mm f/1.2 USM Version II

Current Location Beer Sheva, Israel
Profile View Full Profile
10.4/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
72/500
SHARE
SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
7,818 views | 4 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date December 30, 2020
70.5
AWARD SCORE
Value 13.0
Clarity 13.0
Composition 18.0
Style 14.0
Skill 12.5
Photograph Location
Kiyv, Ukraine

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Anastasia Markus Photography
Portrait Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (10.2/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
4.5/5 points
900/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
7,818/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
0.7/5 points
72/500 Submission
Jury Score: 70.5/80
Resonance Score: 10.2/20
Total Award Score: 80.7/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 4

Deepa Krishnan Underwater Photography, Marine Environments & Subsurface Optics Expert Review
It’s a relief to see a portrait that doesn’t fight the physics of light absorption. Without the constant struggle against the refractive index of water or the dreaded backscatter of suspended particulates, the clarity here is startling. I’m genuinely moved by the girl’s gaze; it’s as piercing as a cephalopod’s, yet entirely terrestrial. Stripping away the color spectrum was a smart choice. Down here, we’re always losing the reds, but she keeps her warmth perfectly.
Priya Sharma Negative Space, Minimalism & the Japanese Aesthetic Expert Review
The shadow falls across the cheek. It’s a quiet border. I’ve spent minutes watching the way the light leaves the skin. There’s a stillness here that catches my breath. The freckles aren't just marks; they’re constellations in the dark. Nothing here is accidental. The empty corner is not empty. It holds the weight of a gaze that doesn’t belong to a child. It’s a pause. A long, deep breath. I can’t look away.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
f/2.8 at 85mm, 1/200s, ISO 400. A classic portrait setup. The shallow depth of field isolates the subject’s irises with surgical precision. It’s a sharp, calculated choice that forces the viewer into an uncomfortable intimacy. I’ve seen a thousand portraits, but this one actually made me pause. The monochrome conversion is a technical necessity here; it strips away the noise, leaving only the geometry of the gaze. The optics didn't fail the intent. It’s technically sound.
Victoria Ashby Wildlife, Nature & the Ethics of the Unseen Moment Expert Review
It’s a striking portrait, but I find myself searching for the wildness that isn't there. In my field, we wait hours for a flicker of genuine behavior, not a posed, lighthearted session. The girl’s gaze is intense, sure, but it feels extracted rather than earned. I’m left cold by the lack of natural tension. It’s technically sharp, but without the patience required to capture a soul in its own habitat, it’s just another pretty face.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Yuki Sato

The Unspoken Language of Being

There is a quiet wisdom that resides in the eyes long before the mind has learned to name the world.

Read the reflection →
By Astrid Halvorsen

The Clarity of Winter

There is a specific, sharp clarity that arrives with the first frost, when the air loses its humidity and the world becomes brittle and defined. It is a light that strips away the soft, forgiving haze of autumn, leaving only the essential lines of the landscape.

Read the reflection →

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