The Lebanese Shepherd by Zahraa Al Hassani

Captured on a radiant, sunny day in the mountain village of Zghartaghrîne, this portrait captures the profound character of a Lebanese shepherd. The photographer was struck by the man’s presence, specifically the striking color of his eyes and the deep, weathered wrinkles that serve as a testament to a lifetime of stories. By choosing a focal length of 120mm, the photographer isolates the subject against the lush, green backdrop of the Lebanese mountains, creating an intimate connection. This image is award-worthy for its masterful ability to transform a fleeting encounter into a timeless narrative of human resilience and rural tradition.

Nikon D5100 with Sigma 70-300mm
Exposure 1/100sec @ f/4.8 | ISO 100 | Focal Length 120mm

Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Zahraa Al Hassani

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Baghdad, Iraq, Zahraa Al Hassani balances a successful career as a senior graphic designer at Zain Telecommunications with her dedicated pursuit of photography. A graduate of the University of Technology in Baghdad, she leverages her extensive design background to refine her photographic perspective and visual storytelling. Having transitioned from early equipment to professional Nikon gear, she actively seeks to expand her artistic horizons and technical knowledge within the global photography community.

Profile View Full Profile

Award Winner Photo of the Day

Award Date December 23, 2014

68.0

AWARD SCORE

Value 12.0

Clarity 13.0

Composition 18.0

Style 12.0

Skill 13.0

Photograph Location

Zghartaghrîne, Lebanon

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Portrait Photography

Zahraa Al Hassani Photography

Zara Otaifah Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (13.7/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares

5.0/5 points

1,704/1,000 Social Share

Page Views

5.0/5 points

12,900/2,500 Page View

Reviews

0.2/5 points

3/100 Review

Submissions

3.5/5 points

348/500 Submission

Jury Score: 68.0/80

Resonance Score: 13.7/20

Total Award Score: 81.7/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 5

Lena Brandstrom Macro Photography, Optics & the Science of the Seen Expert Review

At 120mm and f/4.8, the Sigma’s glass resolves the shepherd’s iris with startling precision, capturing chromatic aberration so minimal it’s practically invisible. The focal plane is razor-thin, isolating those weathered skin textures against a soft, creamy bokeh that’s a beautiful function of the lens’s compression. I’m genuinely moved by how the light catches the moisture in his eyes; it’s a rare, visceral clarity that makes the diffraction of the mountain sun feel almost tactile. It’s breathtaking.

Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review

One suspects the light cooperated on the first attempt. It often does, for the lucky. Using a 120mm focal length to isolate a shepherd against those Zghartaghrîne slopes is a tidy trick, but it doesn't hide the lack of grit. I’ve spent enough mornings shivering in the hills to know when a portrait is earned. This one feels like a pleasant afternoon stroll. It’s a decent likeness, but it hasn't cost the photographer nearly enough.

Amara Diallo Portrait, Human Story & Narrative Portraiture Expert Review

We look into these eyes and see the mountains of Zghartaghrîne reflected back. Zahraa didn't just capture a shepherd; she sat with him until the silence between them turned into a conversation. I’m struck by how those deep, weathered lines hold the weight of his long days. It’s a portrait that feels like a shared secret. I find myself wanting to sit beside him, just to hear the stories he hasn’t told yet. It’s truly haunting.

Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review

The 120mm compression flattens the Zghartaghrîne landscape into a coherent, verdant field. It’s a calculated choice. The subject’s gaze anchors the frame, while the shallow depth of field isolates the weathered texture of his skin against the soft, blurred mountain backdrop. The spatial tension holds. I’ve rarely seen such structural discipline in portraiture. It doesn’t rely on sentimentality. The geometry of the face against the horizontal plane creates a rigid, satisfying equilibrium. It’s technically precise.

Sophie Delacroix Emotional Narrative, Viewer Response & Psychological Impact Expert Review

Before the eye identifies the shepherd, a sudden stillness settles in the chest. Those eyes, sharp against the Zghartaghrîne green, trigger a visceral, quiet ache. It’s the weight of a life etched into skin. I’ve returned to this portrait for years, and each time, the depth of his gaze pulls my breath into a shorter, more rhythmic cycle. It doesn’t just capture a man; it anchors a haunting, ancient solitude deep within my own pulse.

Reflections on this Photograph

By Yuki Sato

The Map of Time

We often look at a face and see only the surface, forgetting that every line is a record of the sun, the wind, and the seasons that have passed over it. To age is to be written upon by the world.

Read the reflection →

By Isabelle Park

Maps Written in Skin

I spent this morning trying to fix a loose button on my favorite coat. My hands felt clumsy, and I kept catching sight of the small, faded scar on my thumb from a kitchen accident years ago.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

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

8 replies

Jihane habib says:
December 28, 2014 at 12:41

U must go into his heart and see how much a respectable man is…uncle mtanios proud of him
Reply
Jocelyne habib says:
December 28, 2014 at 07:43

How can i buy a magazine?
Reply
- Light & Composition Team says:
  December 28, 2014 at 17:34
  
  Please Go to our store: https://www.lightandcomposition.com/official-store/
  You can buy the magazine from there. Thank You
  Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Zahraa Al Hassani

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Leave a Reply

Leave a Reply to Jihane habib Cancel reply

The Future of Learning

University

Access & Records

Publications

Award Showcases

Know the Award

Registration & Submission

Career

Creative & Advertising

Theses & Projects

Getting Started

Get 24/7 Support