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Folding a Robe by Ryszard Wierzbicki

Captured within the serene walls of a Buddhist temple near the Killing Fields in Siem Reap, Cambodia, this image documents the quiet, rhythmic discipline of young monks. The photographer observes the daily ritual of washing, drying, and folding their robes, transforming a mundane chore into a meditative act of devotion. By utilizing a long focal length to isolate the subject, the photographer captures the intimacy and focus of the moment. The image is award-worthy for its ability to find profound stillness and cultural narrative within the everyday lives of those dedicated to a monastic path.

Folding a Robe by Ryszard Wierzbicki
Nikon D90 | Exposure 1/30sec @ f/6.3 | ISO 1600 | Focal Length 250mm
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 career in social sciences 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 volunteer efforts with orphaned children. Currently based in Swindon, he balances his professional life as a marketing advisor with his passion for photography, scuba diving, and managing travel forums that connect global adventurers.

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14.2/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
396/500
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Award Reach | Reviews
15,185 views | 4 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date September 7, 2014
61.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 11.0
Clarity 11.0
Composition 16.0
Style 12.0
Skill 11.0
Photograph Location
Siem Reap, Cambodia

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Ryszard Wierzbicki Photography
Travel Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (14.0/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,896/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
15,185/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
4.0/5 points
396/500 Submission
Jury Score: 61.0/80
Resonance Score: 14.0/20
Total Award Score: 75.0/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 4

Isabelle Fontenay Colour Harmony, Tone & Atmospheric Light Expert Review
Saffron robes bleed into the temple’s dusty ochre, a chromatic resonance that recalls the quiet, chalky stillness of a Morandi study. It’s a symphony of burnt orange and sun-bleached terracotta that makes my heart ache with its sheer, unadorned devotion. One feels the heat radiating from those folds, a tactile warmth that transcends the lens, turning a simple chore into a sacred, saturated meditation on the fleeting nature of light itself. It’s truly sublime.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
A 250mm lens at 1/30sec suggests Wierzbicki didn't just stumble upon this. He’s held his breath, likely for hours, waiting for the monk’s hands to align with that precise, rhythmic fold. It’s a quiet, disciplined bit of work. I’ve spent enough damp mornings in temple courtyards to know the ache of waiting for such stillness. It’s a rare, earned moment of grace. He didn't just take the shot; he sat until the light finally agreed.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/30sec at f/6.3, ISO 1600, 250mm. That shutter speed is a gamble at this focal length. It’s a miracle the hand-held vibration didn’t ruin the texture of the fabric. The ISO 1600 noise is aggressive, yet it provides a grit that suits the temple’s austerity. I’ve spent years chasing sharpness, but here, the slight softness feels intentional. It’s a risky technical choice that actually pays off. The math is messy, but the result works.
Rafael Ortega Shutter Technique, Motion & the Cinematic Single Frame Expert Review
The frame breathes. It’s a tight, telephoto compression that flattens the temple air into a soft, saffron blur. The monk’s hands move with a rhythm I’ve spent years trying to capture on film; it’s a quiet, rhythmic edit of a mundane chore. I find myself holding my breath, waiting for the fabric to snap taut. It’s the perfect cut. Wierzbicki knew exactly when to roll, catching the precise second where devotion becomes pure, kinetic geometry.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Sven Lindqvist

The Weight of Cloth

There is a rhythm to the way we handle the things we own. A shirt, a blanket, a robe. We fold them to keep the world at bay, to impose order on the chaos of the day.

Read the reflection →
By Margaret Holt

The Geometry of Devotion

In the quiet corners of a house, there is a specific geometry to how we handle the things we own. We fold a shirt, we stack a book, we smooth a wrinkle from a tablecloth. These are not merely chores; they are small, repetitive prayers of maintenance.

Read the reflection →

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