Female Macaque by Shamma Esoof

Captured in the lush environment of Kuala Selangor, Malaysia, this portrait of a female macaque offers an intimate look at one of the world’s most widespread primates. By utilizing a wide aperture, the photographer isolates the subject, drawing the viewer’s attention to the macaque's remarkably human-like gaze. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the intelligence and sentience inherent in non-human primates. The photograph is award-worthy for its ability to bridge the gap between human and animal, transforming a common wildlife encounter into a profound, emotive study of character and connection.

Female Macaque by Shamma Esoof
Nikon D90 | Exposure 1/4000sec @ f/1.8 | ISO 160
Copyright Β© Shamma Esoof
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Shamma Esoof

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Puchong, Malaysia, Shamma Esoof is a versatile photographer and makeup artist who defines her aesthetic through simplicity and elegance. Her work is deeply rooted in advocacy, as she frequently collaborates with animal rescuers to create dignified portraits that facilitate the adoption of rescued animals. Beyond her wildlife and portrait photography, Esoof serves as a creative director, where she develops conceptual shoots and coaches clients on posing, consistently aiming to use her creative talents to support animal welfare and empower young people.

Profile View Full Profile
11.5/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
112/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
20,474 views | 7 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date January 6, 2012
64.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 15.0
Style 13.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Best of Nature Photography
Shamma Esoof Photography
Wildlife Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (11.5/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
2,296/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
20,474/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.4/5 points
7/100 Review
Submissions
1.1/5 points
112/500 Submission
Jury Score: 64.0/80
Resonance Score: 11.5/20
Total Award Score: 75.5/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Lena Brandstrom Macro Photography, Optics & the Science of the Seen Expert Review
At f/1.8, the focal plane is razor-thin, barely containing the macaque’s iris. It’s a bold choice; the diffraction limit hasn't softened a single hair, and the bokeh is a creamy, buttery function of that wide aperture. I’ve spent years studying optics, yet the way the light catches her pupilβ€”that precise, crystalline reflectionβ€”genuinely makes my breath hitch. It’s not just biology; it’s the lens resolving a soul, capturing a gaze that feels hauntingly, undeniably human.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
A wide aperture at 1/4000th suggests a photographer who didn't want to miss the moment, but did they wait for it? The gaze is striking, certainly, but it feels like a lucky encounter rather than a hard-won portrait. I’ve spent enough damp mornings in the brush to know that intimacy with a macaque usually requires more than a fast shutter. It’s a decent shot, but I’m left wondering if she ever went back.
Dmitri Kasakov Contrast, Shadow Drama & the Metaphysics of Light Expert Review
The macaque’s gaze isn't an invitation; it’s a confrontation with the void. By pushing the background into a blurred, chaotic blur, Esoof forces us to reckon with the creature’s singular, heavy presence. I’ve stared at those eyes for an hour, and it’s unsettling how much darkness they hold. It doesn't feel like nature photography anymore. It feels like a mirror. When the light dies in the periphery, we’re finally forced to see what’s actually looking back.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Sven Lindqvist

The Weight of a Glance

We look for ourselves in the eyes of others. We search for a flicker of recognition, a sign that we are not entirely alone in the cold.

Read the reflection →
By Isabelle Park

The Mirror in the Wild

I was sitting on my porch this morning, watching a squirrel navigate the fence line. It stopped, turned its head, and looked directly at me for a long, steady moment. It wasn't a skittish glance; it felt like an assessment.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

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

7 replies
  3. Dhanisha Ganase says:

    The fact that you’ve captured it staring straight into your lens with full attention is simply amazing. Thumbs up!

    Reply

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