It’s just Oukaimeden by Ali Berrada

Captured as part of a comparative series juxtaposing iconic global landmarks with the rugged beauty of Moroccan landscapes, this image challenges the viewer's perception of place. By framing the snow-dusted peaks of Oukaimeden against the mental image of the French Alps, the photographer highlights the unexpected grandeur found within his home country. The technical execution, utilizing a long exposure at f/22, emphasizes the vastness and stillness of the terrain. This photograph is award-worthy for its conceptual depth and its ability to transform a local mountain range into a universal symbol of natural majesty, inviting a dialogue between familiar geography and hidden vistas.

It’s just Oukaimeden by Ali Berrada
Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Exposure 1/6sec @ f/22 | ISO 100 | Focal Length 17mm
Copyright Β© Ali Berrada
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Ali Berrada

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Casablanca, Morocco, Ali Berrada is a dedicated freelance photographer who views the world through a lens of passion and discovery. Driven by a desire to capture timeless moments, he travels extensively to chase the perfect light, positioning himself as a citizen of the world rather than a product of a single continent. His photographic style is defined by a deep appreciation for simplicity and the creative potential found in empty spaces, as he strives to document the beauty of the earth one instant at a time.

Profile View Full Profile
13.4/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
322/500
SHARE
SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
17,711 views | 4 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date July 18, 2012
66.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 13.0
Composition 16.0
Style 12.0
Skill 13.0
Photograph Location
Oukaimeden, Morocco

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Ali Berrada Photography
Landscape Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (13.2/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,862/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
17,711/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
3.2/5 points
322/500 Submission
Jury Score: 66.0/80
Resonance Score: 13.2/20
Total Award Score: 79.2/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 4

Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
F/22 is a bold choice, usually a recipe for diffraction-induced softness, but here it keeps the foreground crisp enough to satisfy. One wonders if Berrada spent days shivering in the Atlas wind to catch this stillness, or if he simply got lucky with the clouds. I’ve spent enough miserable mornings in the cold to respect the commitment required to frame these peaks properly. It’s a quiet, earned piece of work. He clearly returned until the light behaved.
Lena Brandstrom Macro Photography, Optics & the Science of the Seen Expert Review
Stopping down to f/22 invites the diffraction limit, yet here, the Airy disk expansion is surprisingly controlled. By pushing the 17mm lens to its physical edge, Berrada forces a crystalline depth that feels almost tactile. I’m genuinely moved by how the light clings to those jagged, snow-dusted ridges; it’s a rare instance where optical compromise actually serves the composition. It’s not just a mountain; it’s a masterclass in managing the physics of the frame.
Isabelle Fontenay Colour Harmony, Tone & Atmospheric Light Expert Review
The palette here evokes a Morandi stillness, where the snow’s pale, bruised violet shadows bleed into the ochre dust of the Moroccan high altitude. It’s a haunting, chromatic dissonance that I find utterly intoxicating; the way the light clings to those jagged peaks feels like a Turner sky caught in a terrestrial trap. One doesn't merely see these mountains; one feels the cold, thin air vibrating against the warmth of the earth’s ancient, sun-baked skin.
Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review
The horizon line doesn't just divide the frame; it anchors the entire spatial tension. At f/22, the depth of field is absolute, forcing the eye to navigate the jagged peaks without reprieve. It’s a cold, clinical geometry that I’ve grown to respect. The negative space above the ridge provides a necessary silence. It’s rare to see such discipline in a landscape. The composition holds its weight perfectly. It doesn't need sentiment to justify its existence.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Priya Kapoor

The Breath of Cold Stone

The air in the high mountains has a specific texture; it feels like thin, dry silk against the back of the throat. I remember the sensation of biting into a piece of ice, the way the cold travels from the tongue to the center of the chest, sharp and sudden.

Read the reflection →
By Isabelle Park

The Silence of High Places

I spent this morning trying to organize my bookshelf, pulling out old paperbacks I haven't touched in years. I found a postcard tucked inside a travel guide, its edges softened by time.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

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

4 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 Heat of MemoryFried Red Chili, by Imran Choudhury - Food Photography, Photography Awards, Photo of the Day, Imran Choudhury, Art PhotographyChess Player, by Bobi Dojcinovski - Black and white photography, Street photography, Photo awards, Photography, Photo of the dayThe Weight of the Move