Golden Pillars by Sarin Soman

Captured at the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, this image highlights the intricate architectural fusion of Arab, Mughal, and Moorish design. The photographer utilized a long exposure to emphasize the structural grandeur and the ethereal quality of the golden pillars that define the space. By focusing on the interplay of light and geometry within this world-renowned landmark, the image captures the spiritual serenity and immense scale of the site. The composition is award-worthy for its technical precision and its ability to transform a monumental architectural space into a compelling, evocative visual narrative.

Golden Pillars by Sarin Soman
Canon EOS 450D | Exposure 1sec @ f/7.1 | ISO 100 | Focal Length 28mm
Copyright Β© Sarin Soman
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Sarin Soman

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Originally from India, Sarin Soman is a software engineer currently based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Since beginning his photographic journey in 2005, he has evolved from a casual hobbyist into a dedicated artist focused on mastering technical execution and complex compositions. Deeply passionate about his craft, Soman views his camera as an essential companion and continues to pursue his long-term ambition of transitioning into a full-time professional photographer.

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13.7/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
128/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
23,008 views | 48 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date August 6, 2010
64.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 15.0
Style 13.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Sarin Soman Photography
Spiritual Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (13.5/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
2,656/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
23,008/2,500 Page View
Reviews
2.2/5 points
44/100 Review
Submissions
1.3/5 points
128/500 Submission
Jury Score: 64.0/80
Resonance Score: 13.5/20
Total Award Score: 77.5/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 4

Clara Whitfield Award Criteria, Legacy & What Makes an Image Endure Expert Review
Of the thousands of architectural shots I’ve reviewed, most collapse into mere postcards. Soman’s work avoids that trap because the one-second exposure softens the light against the marble, turning rigid geometry into something fluid. It’s a quiet, rhythmic pulse that makes me want to stand in that silence myself. What separates this from technically similar work is the restraint; he didn’t over-process the gold, letting the architecture breathe. It’ll still feel profound thirty years from now.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
A one-second exposure in such a vast, echoing space suggests a tripod and a fair amount of lingering while the tourists shuffled off. It’s a clean, disciplined frame. I’ve spent enough hours waiting for the crowds to vanish to appreciate the stillness Soman’s captured here. The golden light doesn't just happen; it’s invited. One wonders how many evenings were sacrificed to get the geometry this quiet. It’s a respectable, earned bit of patience.
Dmitri Kasakov Contrast, Shadow Drama & the Metaphysics of Light Expert Review
Light here doesn't merely illuminate; it colonizes the stone. Soman’s long exposure flattens the architecture into a rigid, golden silence that feels almost suffocating. I’ve walked these halls, yet I’m unsettled by how the shadows are pushed into the margins, denied their right to breathe. It’s technically precise, sure, but it’s afraid of the dark. By erasing the void, it loses the mystery. It’s beautiful, but it’s a beauty that refuses to let me in.
Isabelle Fontenay Colour Harmony, Tone & Atmospheric Light Expert Review
The ochre glow of these pillars, reminiscent of a Turner sunset trapped in stone, vibrates against the cool, marble-white shadows with such exquisite tension that it’s impossible not to feel a sudden, sharp ache in one’s chest. It’s a symphony of gilded warmth, where the light doesn’t merely illuminate the architecture; it breathes, turning the mosque into a sanctuary of liquid gold that feels almost too sacred for the lens to hold. I’m utterly breathless.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Sven Lindqvist

The Weight of Silence

We build to outlast ourselves. Stone is patient. It does not ask for recognition, nor does it fear the coming of the night.

Read the reflection →
By Margaret Holt

The Weight of Silence

In the quiet hours of the morning, before the world begins its frantic climb toward noon, there is a specific kind of stillness that feels almost architectural. We often think of silence as an absenceβ€”a lack of noise, a void to be filled.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

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

48 replies
  18. Danu Bratakusuma says:

    Good shot,,,!!!
    hoohoho,,,may I know what is the man who was sit in front of the pillars???
    Actually I really love the effect of water reflection the pillars

    Reply
  20. Anupama Menon says:

    Dear Sarin,
    Good Evening!
    This such a wonderful golden shot!Really amazing!
    A divine and pure ambience!
    Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful snap!
    Sasneham,
    Anu

    Reply
  26. Danu Bratakusuma says:

    good photo sarin,,,,
    that’s look wonderfull,,,
    But you can explain too what is the man sit infront of the pillar,,,,
    thank you very muchh

    But Actually I love it,,I love the water,,,,

    Reply
  29. Rajanpaul says:

    OSM… Its a golden classic shot. ……The symmetrical formation of the pillars and the way you have composed it is simply a treat. good luck.

    Reply
  33. Rustam Amonov says:

    Beautiful composition, love the angle and reflection, softness and impressiveness. Keep it up Sarin, great job

    Reply
  39. Amina Venue Du RochΓ© says:

    a true Artist .. the true art.. wish u the best.. its really amazing all of ur pics.. i liked so much this one ..very original.. go ahead :)

    Reply
  41. Shibin Das says:

    Wow.. Naice.. Those tiny ppl make this photo look really GRAND!.. Never been to this place but it karries this photo karries the environment for sure.

    Reply

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