The Clown by Mirka Krivankova

Captured amidst the historic charm of Prague, this portrait of a street performer evokes the timeless atmosphere of the city’s medieval streets. The photographer skillfully utilized the iconic backdrop of the Charles Bridge to frame the subject, blending the vibrant energy of daily street performances with the solemnity of the surrounding statues. By employing a shallow depth of field, the photographer isolates the performer, drawing the viewer into a moment of quiet intensity. This image stands out for its ability to transform a fleeting street encounter into a compelling narrative, showcasing a sophisticated balance between human character and historical setting.

The Clown by Mirka Krivankova
Canon EOS 1100D with EF 50mm
Exposure 1/500sec @ f/2.8 | ISO 400 | Focal Length 50mm
Copyright Β© Mirka Krivankova
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Mirka Krivankova

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Hailing from Mestec Kralove, Czech Republic, Mirka Krivankova is an emerging talent whose work captures the diverse spirit of her homeland. Her portfolio spans from the serene beauty of the Czech countryside to evocative portraits that masterfully utilize natural light and shadow to create formalistic depth. Constantly refining her craft and organizing her work into cohesive bodies, Krivankova demonstrates a dedicated commitment to her artistic evolution, steadily building a reputation for her keen eye and ability to draw the viewer into the heart of her subjects.

Profile View Full Profile
9.6/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
135/500
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Award Reach | Reviews
6,298 views | 4 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date September 28, 2021
67.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 18.0
Style 13.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Prague, Czech Republic

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Mirka Krivankova Photography
Portrait Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (9.4/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
3.0/5 points
605/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
6,298/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
1.4/5 points
135/500 Submission
Jury Score: 67.0/80
Resonance Score: 9.4/20
Total Award Score: 76.4/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 4

Kofi Asante Intimate Portraiture, Reportage & Lives Told Truthfully Expert Review
There’s a heavy, tired stillness in this clown’s eyes that stops me cold. You can tell he’s not performing for the camera; he’s just existing in the space Mirka gave him. It’s a rare, quiet gift when a street performer drops the act long enough for a lens to catch the person underneath. I’ve spent years in crowds, and I know that look. This face has a whole life in it. It’s honest, raw, and deeply human.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/500sec at f/2.8, 50mm on a crop sensor. It’s a standard portrait setup, yet the 1100D’s sensor struggles with the dynamic range here. The shallow depth of field isolates the subject, but the focus plane is razor-thin; it’s barely holding the eyes. I’ve seen this lens perform better. It’s technically sufficient, though hardly ambitious. I find the lack of sharpness in the shadows frustrating. It’s a safe, predictable choice that barely clears the technical bar.
Julian Rowe Experimental Photography, Motion & Alternative Visual Languages Expert Review
The jury’s obsession with the crisp isolation of this performer feels stifling. Why settle for a sharp portrait when the kinetic energy of a Prague street performer demands a smear of motion? I’m genuinely frustrated by the decision to freeze the clown at 1/500sec. It’s a safe, clinical choice. I’d have preferred a long exposure to dissolve the subject into the cobblestones, moving closer to Sugimoto’s ghosts than this conventional, static documentation of a costume.
Rosa Park-Chen Sports, Action & the Fraction of a Second That Matters Expert Review
The performer’s eyes are locked, but the facial muscles haven't reached the apex of the grimace yet. It’s a split-second early. I’ve spent my life watching bodies hit their limit, and this is just the approach, not the climax of the performance. The shutter fired before the tension peaked in the jaw. It’s technically clean, sure, but it’s missing that visceral, physiological snap. I wanted to see the strain, but it’s just a pose.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Owen Callister

The Mask of Winter

In the deepest part of winter, certain species of alpine beetles produce a natural antifreeze within their cells, allowing them to remain active while the world around them enters a state of total dormancy.

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By Marta Vidal

The Painted Silence

I keep a small, wooden spinning top in my desk drawer, its paint chipped away by the restless hands of a grandfather I only knew through stories. It is a simple thing, yet it carries the weight of a joy that has long since stopped spinning.

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