Soul Mirror by Zahraa Al Hassani

In a remote village nestled within the high mountains near Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, the photographer encountered a young girl whose presence was both shy and profoundly expressive. Surrounded by lush green fields, the child offered a gaze that seemed to transcend language, reflecting a deep sense of innocence and gratitude. The photographer captured this fleeting, intimate moment to immortalize the unspoken stories held within the girl's eyes. This portrait is award-worthy for its ability to bridge the gap between the photographer and subject, turning a simple encounter into a poignant, soul-stirring narrative of human connection.

Soul Mirror by Zahraa Al Hassani
Nikon D3100 with Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G
Exposure 1/30sec @ f/5.6 | ISO 3200 | Focal Length 55mm
Copyright Β© Zahraa Al Hassani
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Zahraa Al Hassani

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Baghdad, Iraq, Zahraa Al Hassani balances a professional career as a designer for Zain Telecommunications with a dedicated pursuit of fine art photography. Her background in graphic design significantly informs her visual language, allowing her to compose images with a refined sense of perspective and structure. Having transitioned from early digital equipment to the Nikon system, she continues to refine her craft, driven by a commitment to learning and a desire to capture the authentic, purist essence of the world around her.

Profile View Full Profile
15.9/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
462/500
SHARE
SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
17,981 views | 26 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date November 5, 2012
57.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 11.0
Clarity 11.0
Composition 14.0
Style 10.0
Skill 11.0
Photograph Location
Kurdistan, Iraq

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Portrait Photography
Zahraa Al Hassani Photography
Zara Otaifah Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (15.8/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
2,002/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
17,981/2,500 Page View
Reviews
1.2/5 points
23/100 Review
Submissions
4.6/5 points
462/500 Submission
Jury Score: 57.0/80
Resonance Score: 15.8/20
Total Award Score: 72.8/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Priya Sharma Negative Space, Minimalism & the Japanese Aesthetic Expert Review
The mountain air feels thin here. The girl’s gaze anchors the frame, yet it’s the blur of the green field behind her that holds the weight. It’s a quiet ache. I’ve spent minutes looking, and I still can’t find the edge of her stillness. Nothing here is accidental. The empty corner is not empty. It’s a breath held in the high altitude. I feel a sudden, sharp need to be silent. It’s enough.
Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review
The subject’s gaze anchors the frame, yet the composition suffers from a lack of spatial discipline. The background’s chaotic foliage bleeds into the subject’s silhouette, dissolving the necessary tension between figure and ground. It’s a messy, unresolved geometry. I’d argue the focal length fails to isolate the subject, leaving the eye to wander aimlessly across the picture plane. The structure doesn't hold. It’s frustrating to see such potential squandered by a lack of formal rigor.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
One suspects the photographer didn’t just stumble upon this girl. That ISO 3200 grain suggests a fading light, a moment captured when the rest of the village had retreated indoors. It’s a quiet, shivering sort of image. I’ve spent enough hours in the mountains to know that look; it isn’t given to tourists. She clearly waited for the girl to forget the camera was there. It’s a rare, honest bit of work. I’m actually quite moved.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Clara Menezes

The Well of Unspoken Things

We carry our histories in the architecture of our faces, long before we have the vocabulary to name them. There is a specific stillness in the eyes of the young, a clarity that has not yet been clouded by the debris of compromise or the heavy dust of years.

Read the reflection →
By Sven Lindqvist

The Weight of a Glance

We spend our lives looking away. It is a survival instinct, perhaps, to avoid the gravity of another person’s presence. To see is to be seen, and to be seen is to be known.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

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

26 replies
  1. Zahraa Al Hasani says:

    Sawsan:- Your insightful comment is blast ! thank’s a million !

    Thank you for placing your kind comment in Light and composition .

    Reply
  2. Zahraa Al Hasani says:

    Shane Filan : Mr. Filan – I’m a big fan ! the honor all is mine for placing your comment and make my day having an amazing starting !

    Thank you for placing your kind comment in Light and composition .

    Reply
  3. Zahraa Al Hasani says:

    Pearl Dinston :- You and your comment is the only amazing ! I have a hunch that you look just like your name !

    Thank you for placing your kind comment in Light and composition .

    Reply
  4. Zahraa Al Hasani says:

    Molly Steven : Your priceless comment has blowing my mind away !
    Thank you for the deep discerning !
    your words has meant a lot !

    Thank you for placing your kind comment in Light and composition .

    Reply
  5. Zahraa Al Hasani says:

    Megain, Your comments implies how cuddle-some are you !
    I do appreciate your very nice and touching words !
    Thank you for placing your kind comment in Light and composition .

    Reply
  6. Zahraa Al Hasani says:

    Sohail Chohan : I’m honored by your comment ! feel speechless to repay your kindness as well !
    Thank you for placing your kind comment in Light and composition .

    Reply
  8. Sawsan says:

    This picture is just amazing. Zahraa, you are an amazing photographer and I can see a very bright future for you. Love you from all my heart x

    Reply
  9. Shane Filan says:

    This picture is simple amazing do you know why? Cause When I looked at It I insisted to comment on it and tell you how it’s amazing , and Fabulous picture , And that’s rarely found in some photographers , I congratulate you cause your job simple amazed me , Good job

    Reply
  10. Megain Swan says:

    It’s a very fabulous and amazing piece of art ..It’s Embody the lives of the poor people , In spite of all the difficulties life , But their smile still shine on their faces ,,, I Love it so much Great job..

    Reply
  11. Pearl Dinston says:

    Great piece of art , It’s really amazing , And I’m so happy to see amazing picture like this one , Great Job

    Reply
  12. Molly Steven says:

    Amazing , Fabulous , Great , Wonderful …. Β It’s a piece of great art, it’s a very distinctive piece and it reflects the personality of the artist and you’re a very distinctive and pure artist inside you , Thank you so much cause you made us this pictures , It’s Great , Really good job ,

    Reply
  13. Megain says:

    I Love it so much , Β It’s Embody the lives of the poor people , Β In spite of all the difficulties life , But their smile still shine on their faces , I Love it so much , You’re amazing photographer …. A very good job

    Reply
  16. Zahraa says:

    Maryam : how shall I ever respond to your comment ! so difficult to put a nicer words that you have used !
    I do appreciate your comment and kindness .

    Thank you for placing your comment in Light and Composition .

    Reply
  17. Zahraa says:

    Westlife : if there’s someone should feel speechless that’s me ! I’m honored for the nice words you uttered ! That’s so sweet of you !

    Thank you for placing your comment in Light and Composition .

    Reply
  20. Maryam says:

    it’s indescibable ……I really love it , I particularly love the girl’s innocent smile and how you took that corner to take the photo , that technique you used narrated a whole story ! , it’s narrative and very creative indeed, you’re a hugely talented photographer , you’ve picked this story to amaze each one of us ! Well Done !!!!!!

    Reply
  21. Westlife says:

    Actually it’s too amazing picture when you look at it , it feel like the picture is talking to you , And it’s actually Great , And you should be called a creative photographer …. And I actually have no words to say , All I can say it’s Awesome! Great Job … Go ahead and keep amaze us with your fabulous pictures . You’re the best…

    Reply

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