In the Eyes of an Angel by Zahraa Al Hassani

In this evocative portrait, the photographer captures the radiant spirit of a young girl, moving beyond her previous focus on expressive eyes to celebrate a truly captivating smile. By photographing the daughter of a close friend, Zahraa Al Hassani creates an intimate atmosphere that highlights the subject's natural joy. The technical execution, utilizing a 39mm focal length, draws the viewer into the girl's world, emphasizing the warmth and sincerity of the moment. This image stands out for its ability to transform a candid interaction into a timeless, award-worthy study of human emotion and connection.

In the Eyes of an Angel by Zahraa Al Hassani
SONY DSC-H9 | Exposure 1/40sec @ f/4 | ISO 125 | Focal Length 39mm
Copyright Β© Zahraa Al Hassani
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Zahraa Al Hassani

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Baghdad, Iraq, Zahraa Al Hassani is a dedicated graphic designer and photographer who balances a professional career at Zain Telecommunications with her creative pursuits. A graduate of the University of Technology in Baghdad, she leverages her extensive background in graphic design to refine her photographic perspective and visual storytelling. Zahraa is deeply committed to the craft of purist photography, constantly seeking to expand her technical knowledge while documenting the beauty found within her local environment.

Profile View Full Profile
11.4/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
117/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
14,487 views | 4 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date September 1, 2013
62.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 11.0
Clarity 11.0
Composition 17.0
Style 12.0
Skill 11.0
Photograph Location
Baghdad, Iraq

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Candid Photography
Zahraa Al Hassani Photography
Zara Otaifah Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (11.2/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,638/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
14,487/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
1.2/5 points
117/500 Submission
Jury Score: 62.0/80
Resonance Score: 11.2/20
Total Award Score: 73.2/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 4

James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/40sec at f/4, ISO 125, 39mm. A sluggish shutter speed for a candid portrait. It’s a gamble that barely pays off. The motion blur in the subject’s hair is a technical failure, yet the focal length provides a decent, intimate compression. I’ve spent years staring at these sensors, and honestly, the lack of sharpness here irritates me. It’s a soft, imprecise capture. The intent is clear, but the hardware limitations clearly outpaced the photographer’s control.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
It’s easy to snap a child’s grin when the sun hits just right. One suspects this was a quick affair, lacking the grit of a long vigil. Still, there’s an undeniable warmth in those eyes that makes me miss the chaos of a Baghdad afternoon. It’s a pleasant enough portrait, but I’d have preferred to see the photographer linger until the light turned difficult. It’s charming, certainly, but it hasn’t quite cost enough yet.
Sophie Delacroix Emotional Narrative, Viewer Response & Psychological Impact Expert Review
Before the eye identifies the girl, a sudden lightness catches in the chest. It’s that smileβ€”unburdened, kinetic, pulling the viewer into a shared, private frequency. I’ve felt my own pulse steady against the chaos of Baghdad implied in the frame. When I return to this a year later, the joy doesn't fade; it anchors. It’s a rare, visceral relief to see such unadulterated warmth survive the lens. It’s the kind of light that lingers.
Clara Whitfield Award Criteria, Legacy & What Makes an Image Endure Expert Review
Most candid portraits from Baghdad in 2013 relied on the weight of the conflict to carry the frame. Al Hassani’s work ignores that crutch. The 39mm focal length creates a proximity that feels earned, not stolen. I’ve seen thousands of smiles, but this one doesn't look performed for a lens; it’s a genuine, fleeting relief. It’s the rare shot that makes me smile back. Thirty years from now, this girl’s joy will still be the point.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Margaret Holt

The Architecture of Joy

In the study of ancient ruins, archaeologists often speak of the 'void'β€”the space where a roof once stood or a wall has crumbled.

Read the reflection →
By Rashid Noor

The Architecture of Joy

Why do we assume that the weight of the world is the only truth worth carrying? We spend our lives building walls against the uncertainty of tomorrow, convinced that seriousness is the only appropriate response to the passage of time.

Read the reflection →

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