Cute But not Always by Karthick Saravanan

During a photo walk through the streets of Kannagi Nagar, Chennai, the photographer captured a poignant interaction between an elderly fishmonger and a vigilant cat. The image centers on the intense, focused gaze of the cat as it waits for a share of the catch. By carefully framing the scene, the photographer achieved a perfect balance of sharpness on the subject and a soft, descriptive depth in the background. This photograph is award-worthy for its ability to transform a mundane street encounter into a compelling narrative of anticipation and daily life, rendered with technical precision.

Cute But not Always by Karthick SaravananCute But not Always by Karthick Saravanan
Canon EOS R10 with Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Exposure 1/25sec @ f/2.8 | ISO 100 | Focal Length 50mm
Copyright Β© Karthick Saravanan
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Karthick Saravanan

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Chennai, India, Karthick Saravanan is a dedicated photographer celebrated for his evocative storytelling and mastery of monochrome imagery. His artistic journey, which began during his teenage years, evolved through a deep exploration of black and white photography, particularly during his time documenting life on his family farmland. Today, he focuses his lens on the vibrant energy of street life, capturing the raw emotions and essence of his subjects. His work is recognized for its unique perspective and ability to resonate with viewers through the timeless power of monochromatic art.

Profile View Full Profile
7.3/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
24/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
4,115 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date October 8, 2023
64.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 17.0
Style 12.0
Skill 11.0
Photograph Location
Chennai, India

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Black & White Photography
Karthick Saravanan Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (7.1/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
1.9/5 points
375/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
4,115/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
0.2/5 points
24/500 Submission
Jury Score: 64.0/80
Resonance Score: 7.1/20
Total Award Score: 71.1/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Kofi Asante Intimate Portraiture, Reportage & Lives Told Truthfully Expert Review
There’s a quiet, hungry tension here that I really admire. The cat’s gaze is locked on that fish, but it’s the fishmonger’s handsβ€”weathered and steadyβ€”that tell the real story of this daily dance. You can tell they’ve shared this space for years. It’s not just a street snap; it’s a partnership. Looking at the way that cat waits, I feel a sudden, sharp pang of empathy for the simple, persistent rhythm of their survival.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/25sec at f/2.8, 50mm. A risky shutter speed for a street encounter. Motion blur is a constant threat here, yet the cat’s whiskers remain sharp. It’s a tightrope walk. I’ve spent years chasing this kind of stability in low light, and frankly, it irritates me how well this works. The f/2.8 aperture isolates the subject perfectly from the clutter. You’ve earned the focus. It’s a precise, calculated gamble that actually paid off.
Victoria Ashby Wildlife, Nature & the Ethics of the Unseen Moment Expert Review
There’s a raw, honest tension in that cat’s posture. I’ve spent enough time in the field to recognize when an animal isn't being coerced by a lens. The cat’s focus is entirely on the fishmonger, not the photographer, which tells me the human presence was respected. It’s a relief to see a street encounter where the animal’s agency remains intact. I actually found myself smiling at the cat’s sheer, unadulterated hunger. It’s earned.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Beatriz Andrade

The Geometry of Hunger

There is a narrow alleyway near the old market in Lisbon where the stray cats have developed a peculiar, rhythmic language. They do not beg; they negotiate.

Read the reflection →
By Daniel Ferreira

The Unseen Negotiators

Every urban environment is a layered negotiation of survival. We tend to view the city as a human project, a grid of commerce and transit designed for our own efficiency.

Read the reflection →

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