The Light is On by Zahraa Al Hassani

In 'The Light is On,' Zahraa Al Hassani captures a poignant, glowing souvenir from Korea, transforming a small, edgy corner into a beacon of hope. The photograph serves as a visual metaphor for resilience, illustrating the photographer's commitment to seeking light even during life's most challenging moments. By focusing on the interplay between deep shadow and warm illumination, Al Hassani elevates a simple object into a powerful symbol of perseverance. The image is award-worthy for its evocative storytelling and the delicate balance of light, which turns a humble still life into a profound meditation on optimism and the pursuit of clarity.

The Light is On by Zahraa Al Hassani
Nikon D3100 with 40mm VR | Exposure 1/13sec @ f/3.5 | ISO 1600 | Focal Length 18mm
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 at Zain Telecommunications with a dedicated pursuit of fine art photography. Her background in graphic design deeply informs her photographic perspective, allowing her to craft visuals that emphasize structure and light. Having evolved from her early work with Sony equipment to her current Nikon system, she continues to refine her craft, seeking to expand her technical mastery and artistic vision within the international photography community.

Profile View Full Profile
13.1/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
196/500
SHARE
SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
17,452 views | 21 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date November 20, 2012
64.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 16.0
Style 12.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Baghdad, Iraq

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Still Life Photography
Zahraa Al Hassani Photography
Zara Otaifah Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (12.9/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,652/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
17,452/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.9/5 points
18/100 Review
Submissions
2.0/5 points
196/500 Submission
Jury Score: 64.0/80
Resonance Score: 13.1/20
Total Award Score: 77.1/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Yusuf Al-Hamdan Landscape, Light as Presence & the Spiritual Dimension Expert Review
It’s quiet here. The shadows in this corner of Baghdad don’t just hide; they hold their breath. When I look at this glowing souvenir, I feel a sudden, sharp ache for the stillness Zahraa must have found. She didn’t force the light; she waited for it to speak against the dark. It’s a fragile, warm pulse in a restless city. I’ve stood in such places, and I knowβ€”she was listening, not just looking.
Dmitri Kasakov Contrast, Shadow Drama & the Metaphysics of Light Expert Review
Shadow isn't merely the absence of light here; it’s the heavy, suffocating silence of Baghdad pressing against that fragile, glowing souvenir. Al Hassani doesn’t just capture an object; she forces us to confront the void. I’ve stared at this frame until my eyes ached, feeling the cold weight of the darkness threatening to swallow the warmth. It’s a desperate, flickering defiance. Honestly, it makes me feel small, like a ghost haunting its own history.
Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review
The frame’s geometry is precarious. A singular light source anchors the composition, yet the surrounding negative space lacks the necessary weight to balance the frame’s left-leaning mass. It’s a struggle between illumination and the encroaching void. While the technical execution remains standard, the spatial tension doesn't quite resolve. I’ve stared at this corner for hours, and frankly, it’s frustrating. The structure collapses under the weight of its own sentiment. It doesn't hold.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Sven Lindqvist

The Persistence of Small Sparks

We are taught to fear the dark, to treat it as an absence, a void waiting to be filled. But the dark is patient. It is the canvas upon which the smallest flicker asserts its existence.

Read the reflection →
By Isabelle Park

A Beacon in the Dark

I spent an hour this morning trying to find my keys in the dark before realizing I had left them in the front door lock all night. It is funny how we stumble through our own homes, convinced we know every inch of the floor, only to be tripped up by the simplest oversight.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

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

21 replies
  2. Zahraa says:

    Patrick Mechall :That’s such an honor and it’s been so kind of you and Anwar as well !

    Thanks for placing your comment in Light and Composition !

    Reply
  3. Zahraa says:

    Marry J:- How I ever try to respond to your comment ? I’m the speechless here guys ! I’m grateful for you and your brother , and it would be great to honor me with your comment always !

    Thank you for placing your comment in Light and Composition !

    Reply
  4. Zahraa says:

    Pearl Dinston : I’m utterly honored to hear that you are keeping my Photographs in special file ! I’m completely grateful !
    Thank you for placing your comment in Light and Composition !

    Reply
  5. Zahraa says:

    Dived Wilson : I’m at lose of words to respond to you !
    you are all such an inspiration !Thank you for placing your comment here in Light and Composition !

    Reply
  8. Zahraa says:

    Megain swan: I’m so lucky with your comment , You make me blushed !
    Thank you for placing your comment here in Light and Composition !

    Reply
  9. Zahraa says:

    Westlife : I’m extremely grateful to you and for all Westlife fans !
    Thanks for participating in Light and Composition !

    Reply
  11. Patrick Mechall says:

    I really really like it , I always Follow your pictures , And Anwar Always telling us about ya… I’ll be always supporting you .. And commenting on your pictures , Good job!

    Reply
  12. Mary. J says:

    Ammm Speechless…. I only wanna say that I’ve put this picture for my yahoo account! I really like it , I also shown it for my Brother he’s also photographer like you , And he just amazed ,,, He said I’ve never seen such creative one like her…. I actually wanna thank my best friend anwar cause she always posts your pictures on gmail and we see them ,,, I haven’t commented on your pictures Before , But I will from now on!

    Reply
  13. Pearl Dinston says:

    May god Bless and keep you Save… You’re such amazing … You are creative artist and no one can make lovely pictures like you… Myself and my friends are all like your pictures , I’ve put your last picture on my computer Background! .. Good job!

    Reply
  14. Dived willson says:

    I’m speechless , I’m really one of your fans … I’ve collected all your pictures in a special profile in my computer… I really like it , Keep going you’re amazing photography!

    Reply
  16. Molly Steven says:

    I’m also one of your fans I always watching your pictures you’re so nice and amazing photography! I just love it ,,, You’re amazing

    Reply
  17. Megain swan says:

    I just love it , You always making a such amazing pictures … I don’t know what to say to you , I only can keep consider at it , It’s such amazing , I love really really love it good job! I’m one of your fans actually I like to comment and likes your pictures!

    Reply
  18. Westlife says:

    Well you know , It’s such amazing one I actually have No words to say everything in this picture is perfect and good . I only wanna say that you’re always amaze us with your perfect and fabulous picture , We hardly woke up from your last one now you shocked us again … I just love it , You’re amazing photography ….

    Reply

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 Echo of FootstepsTale of Old Dhaka, by Yasef Imroze - Street Photography, Dhaka, Photojournalism, Photography Awards, Old DhakaL'Aiguille Noire by SΓ©bastien Beun - Landscape Photography, Photography Awards, Photo of the Day, Art Photography, Online Photography CoursesThe Weight of Ancient Stone