The Charm of Light by Zahraa Al Hassani

The photograph captures the vibrant essence of the Fanoos, a traditional lantern that serves as a cherished symbol of Ramadan in Egypt. By focusing on this intricate souvenir, the photographer highlights the cultural anticipation and the bustling craftsmanship that transforms streets into workshops before the holy month begins. The image is award-worthy for its evocative storytelling and its ability to turn a simple cultural object into a profound visual narrative. Through careful composition and a keen eye for detail, the artist successfully bridges the gap between traditional heritage and contemporary still-life photography.

The Charm of Light by Zahraa Al Hassani
Sony H7 | Carel Zias lenses
Copyright Β© Zahraa Al Hassani
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Zahraa Al Hassani

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Baghdad, Iraq, Zahraa Hashim Salih Al Hasani balances a professional career as a designer for Zain Telecommunications with a dedicated pursuit of photography. Her background in graphic design significantly informs her visual perspective, allowing her to create compelling imagery despite the limited resources available in her region. Having transitioned from early experimentation with Sony equipment to Nikon systems, she remains committed to mastering the craft of purist photography and continuously refining her artistic vision.

Profile View Full Profile
13.6/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
308/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
17,422 views | 10 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date October 3, 2012
62.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 11.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 15.0
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 (13.4/20) 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
17,422/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.3/5 points
6/100 Review
Submissions
3.1/5 points
308/500 Submission
Jury Score: 62.0/80
Resonance Score: 13.4/20
Total Award Score: 75.4/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 4

Priya Sharma Negative Space, Minimalism & the Japanese Aesthetic Expert Review
The lantern sits. It doesn't ask for attention. It just occupies the dark. I’ve spent minutes watching the light bleed through the metal frame. It’s quiet. The shadows aren't just absences; they’re weight. I feel a sudden, sharp ache for the stillness of a Baghdad evening. Nothing here is accidental. The empty corner is not empty. It’s a breath held in the dark. It’s enough. I don’t need the noise of the street.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
It’s a charming enough trinket, but one wonders if the photographer simply set it on a table and clicked. The light feels convenient, lacking the grit of a long, dusty vigil. I’ve spent enough nights shivering in the dark to recognize when a shot hasn't been suffered for. It’s pretty, certainly, but it doesn't ache. I’d have preferred to see the lantern after a week of waiting for the shadows to finally behave.
Yusuf Al-Hamdan Landscape, Light as Presence & the Spiritual Dimension Expert Review
The Fanoos glows with a quiet, persistent hum, as if it’s breathing in the stillness of a Baghdad evening. I’ve spent enough hours waiting for the sun to dip to recognize that soft, amber warmth; it’s the light of anticipation. She stood there, patient, letting the lantern’s intricate shadows settle into the room. It’s a humble, sacred geometry. Looking at it, I feel a sudden, sharp ache for the peace that only such light provides.
Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review
The lantern’s geometry anchors the frame, yet the surrounding clutter threatens the structural integrity of the composition. It’s a precarious balance. The light source creates a necessary fulcrum, pulling the eye toward the center, but the peripheral noise distracts from the intended spatial tension. I’ve grown weary of such chaotic framing. It doesn't quite hold the weight of the subject. The architecture is fragmented, leaving the viewer adrift in a sea of unmanaged detail.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Sven Lindqvist

The Vessel of Waiting

We keep things in boxes. We keep things in cupboards. We tell ourselves that objects are merely containers for the time we have already spent.

Read the reflection →
By Isabelle Park

A Glow in the Dark

I spent an hour this morning trying to find a spare key I misplaced. I moved cushions, checked the pockets of coats I haven't worn in months, and even looked inside the fridge for no logical reason.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

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

10 replies
  1. Moayad Mithal says:

    I’m Proud, this is really express your professionalism in lighting, composing in photography, and the potentials you had in photography is so wide, excellant shot Zahraa.

    Reply

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