Woman in Hijab by Keith Goldstein

While walking through Washington Heights, the photographer encountered a woman whose presence felt both majestic and powerful. Acting quickly to capture the moment, he framed her against the gritty, textured backdrop of storefront graffiti, creating a striking visual contrast. The image succeeds through its candid spontaneity and the photographer's ability to recognize a compelling narrative in an everyday urban encounter. By juxtaposing the subject's dignified demeanor with the raw, chaotic energy of the city streets, the photograph achieves a profound sense of humanity and strength, earning its recognition as a standout piece of candid street photography.

Woman in Hijab by Keith Goldstein
Ricoh GR | Exposure 1/2500sec @ f/4.0 | ISO 8000 | Focal Length 18.3mm
Copyright Β© Keith Goldstein
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Keith Goldstein

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born in Brooklyn in 1957, Keith Goldstein is a seasoned fine art and editorial photographer whose creative journey began with a fascination for the medium during his youth. After earning his BFA from the School of Visual Arts and an MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art, he spent decades refining an emotive, unencumbered approach to capturing the world. With an extensive exhibition history dating back to 1980 and a diverse portfolio spanning corporate, stock, and fine art photography, Goldstein remains dedicated to exploring the human experience through a minimalist, observant lens.

Profile View Full Profile
11.5/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
88/500
SHARE
SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
16,096 views | 12 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date July 31, 2015
65.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 18.0
Style 11.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Washington Heights, New York City, United States

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Candid Photography
Keith Goldstein Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (11.3/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,771/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
16,096/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.4/5 points
9/100 Review
Submissions
0.9/5 points
88/500 Submission
Jury Score: 65.0/80
Resonance Score: 11.3/20
Total Award Score: 76.3/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Clara Whitfield Award Criteria, Legacy & What Makes an Image Endure Expert Review
Most street photography is noise, but this caught me off guard. The grit of the Washington Heights graffiti doesn't swallow the subject; it anchors her. By placing her against that chaotic texture, Goldstein forces a tension between urban decay and personal dignity. I’ve seen thousands of candid shots, yet this one lingers because she isn't a propβ€”she’s a sovereign force. It’s a rare moment where the city’s indifference finally loses the argument. I’m glad this exists.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
A quick shutter click in Washington Heights. It’s a decent frame, certainly, but one wonders if the photographer ever returned to that corner. Street work often relies on luck, and this feels like a lucky encounter rather than a hard-won portrait. I’ve spent enough hours shivering in doorways to know the difference. It’s sharp, yes, but I’m left wanting more than a fleeting glance. Did he wait for the light, or just take it?
Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review
The frame’s geometry is its salvation. The subject’s verticality cuts through the chaotic, horizontal graffiti, establishing a rigid fulcrum. It’s a precarious balance, yet the negative space holds the weight. I’m genuinely unsettled by how the 18.3mm lens distorts the periphery, forcing the eye back to the center. It doesn't rely on sentiment; it relies on the discipline of the crop. The visual architecture is sound. It’s a rare moment where structure dictates the narrative.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Priya Kapoor

The Weight of Silk

The smell of rain on hot asphalt always brings me back to the feeling of heavy fabric against my skin. It is a specific kind of pressureβ€”the way a thick scarf settles across the shoulders, grounding the body when the world feels too thin or too fast.

Read the reflection →
By Isabelle Park

Grace Amidst the Noise

I was waiting for the bus this morning when a woman walked past me, moving through the crowded sidewalk as if she were walking through a quiet garden. Everyone else was rushing, checking their phones or dodging puddles, but she seemed to carry her own stillness with her.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

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

12 replies

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 Rhythm of the WeaveHand Stitched Art, by Ganesh V Ramanathan - Still Life Photography, Photography Awards, Photo of the Day, Art Photography, Photography EducationCalm Water, by Sandra Frimpong - Travel Photography, Photo of the Day, Award Winning Photography, Photography Awards, Online Photography CoursesThe Weight of Waiting