Paradise Pool by Ryszard Wierzbicki

Captured on the scenic route toward Haad Rin Nok Beach on Thailand’s Koh Phangan island, this image showcases the serene, picturesque allure of the region. The photographer masterfully utilizes a wide-angle perspective to frame the lush, inviting landscape, turning a simple stopover into a moment of tranquil beauty. The composition emphasizes the island's natural charm, balancing the vibrant tropical light with the calm waters of the pool. This photograph is award-worthy for its ability to transform a travel destination into a compelling visual narrative, inviting viewers to experience the peaceful, adventurous spirit of the Thai islands through a refined and observant lens.

Paradise Pool by Ryszard Wierzbicki
Nikon D90 | Exposure 1/200sec @ f/14 | ISO 200 | Focal Length 27mm
Copyright Β© Ryszard Wierzbicki
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Ryszard Wierzbicki

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born in 1963 and a graduate of the University of GdaΕ„sk, Ryszard Wierzbicki transitioned from a diverse career in education and marketing to become a dedicated traveler and photographer after relocating to the United Kingdom in 2006. His work is deeply influenced by his extensive explorations of South-East Asia and his commitment to charitable work with orphans in the region. Now based in Swindon, he balances his professional life as a marketing advisor and tour organizer with a profound passion for photography, scuba diving, and documenting the world's most captivating landscapes.

Profile View Full Profile
13.4/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
308/500
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Award Reach | Reviews
11,060 views | 5 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date October 22, 2015
64.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 16.0
Style 12.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Haad Rin Nok Beach, Koh Phangan Island, Thailand

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Ryszard Wierzbicki Photography
Travel Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (13.1/20) 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
11,060/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
3.1/5 points
308/500 Submission
Jury Score: 64.0/80
Resonance Score: 13.1/20
Total Award Score: 77.1/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 5

James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/200sec at f/14, ISO 200, 27mm. Stopping down to f/14 on a D90 sensor invites diffraction that softens the fine detail in the foliage. It’s a blunt instrument for a delicate scene. I’d have preferred f/8 to keep the optics sharp. The depth is there, but the micro-contrast suffers. Honestly, it makes my eyes ache to see that potential lost to unnecessary diffraction. It’s technically lazy. The intent was clear, but the execution faltered.
Lena Brandstrom Macro Photography, Optics & the Science of the Seen Expert Review
At f/14, the Nikon D90 pushes toward the diffraction limit, yet the 27mm focal length maintains a crispness across the pool’s surface that’s genuinely arresting. I’m struck by how the light refracts through the water, revealing textures the naked eye would surely blur. It’s a delicate balance; while the aperture softens the micro-contrast, the clarity of the tropical light remains palpable. I’ve rarely seen such a serene optical performance. It’s a quiet, precise triumph of physics.
Clara Whitfield Award Criteria, Legacy & What Makes an Image Endure Expert Review
Most travel shots are forgettable postcards, but this holds up because of the deliberate tension between the stagnant pool and the encroaching jungle. I’ve seen thousands of Thai landscapes, yet the way the light hits those specific palm fronds makes me want to step inside and breathe that humid air. It’s not just a vacation snap; it’s a quiet, balanced study of isolation that’ll still feel relevant when the resorts have long since changed.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
It’s a pleasant enough view, though one suspects the shutter was tripped during a casual stroll rather than a vigil. The light is flat, lacking the bite of a morning spent shivering in the damp. I’ve spent enough hours waiting for the clouds to break over similar pools to know when a photographer has simply stopped for a snap. It’s pretty, certainly, but it hasn’t cost the artist a single drop of sweat.
Yusuf Al-Hamdan Landscape, Light as Presence & the Spiritual Dimension Expert Review
The light here isn't just illumination; it’s a quiet invitation. Ryszard stood in the humid stillness, waiting for the sun to soften against the pool’s edge. I’ve felt that same heavy, tropical peace, where the air itself seems to hold its breath. It’s not about the destination, but the way the water mirrors the sky’s surrender. Looking at these reflections, I find myself wanting to step into that frame and simply let the day dissolve.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Daniel Ferreira

The Architecture of Leisure

We often mistake the periphery of a vacation for a neutral zone, a place where the demands of the city are suspended. Yet, these spaces are rarely neutral.

Read the reflection →
By Tom Bretherton

The Weight of Still Water

I remember sitting on a wooden jetty in a small village near Krabi, watching a local fisherman mend his nets. He didn't look up for nearly an hour. The water beneath us was so still it felt like a mirror held up to the sky, reflecting clouds that hadn't yet decided where to go.

Read the reflection →

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