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Pariya Haad Yuan Bay by Ryszard Wierzbicki

Captured on the secluded shores of Pariya Haad Yuan Bay, this photograph highlights the pristine beauty of Koh Phangan’s isolated coastline. Accessible only by boat or rugged mountain bike trails, the location offers a rare, untouched perspective of the Thai Gulf. The photographer utilized a wide 18mm focal length to capture the expansive horizon, balancing the brilliant coastal light with a precise 1/400sec exposure. This image is award-worthy for its ability to transport the viewer to a remote sanctuary, masterfully framing the intersection of turquoise waters and lush tropical terrain while conveying the profound sense of discovery inherent in travel photography.

Pariya Haad Yuan Bay by Ryszard Wierzbicki
Nikon D90 | Exposure 1/400sec @ f/10 | ISO 200 | Focal Length 18mm
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 social sciences and marketing to become a dedicated traveler and photographer. After relocating to the United Kingdom in 2006, he channeled his passion for exploration and scuba diving into his photography, frequently volunteering with charitable organizations in Southeast Asia. As the founder of the travel forums Instant Travelling and World Around, Wierzbicki now balances his professional life as a marketing advisor with his commitment to documenting the world's most remote and beautiful landscapes.

Profile View Full Profile
13.8/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
360/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
13,487 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date June 15, 2014
66.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 13.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 17.0
Style 12.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Koh Phangan Island, Thailand

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Ryszard Wierzbicki Photography
Travel Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (13.6/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,920/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
13,487/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
3.6/5 points
360/500 Submission
Jury Score: 66.0/80
Resonance Score: 13.6/20
Total Award Score: 79.6/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Lena Brandstrom Macro Photography, Optics & the Science of the Seen Expert Review
At f/10, the Nikon’s sensor resolves the coastal textures with clinical precision, yet the 18mm focal length introduces a subtle barrel distortion that pulls the horizon into a gentle, organic curve. I’m genuinely moved by how the light scatters across the turquoise shallows; it’s a masterclass in managing diffraction limits to maintain sharpness across the entire frame. It doesn't just capture a bay; it’s a precise optical record of a world I’d give anything to inhabit.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
Getting to Haad Yuan isn't for the faint of heart, and one suspects Wierzbicki didn't just stumble upon this view while sipping a cocktail. The composition is tidy, though the light feels a bit convenient. I’ve spent enough mornings shivering on damp rocks to appreciate the effort required to reach such isolation. It’s a decent bit of work, even if I’d have preferred a bit more grit in the sky. Still, he clearly showed up.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/400sec at f/10, ISO 200, 18mm. The D90’s sensor is pushed to its limit here. Stopping down to f/10 was the right call; it keeps the foreground rocks sharp against the horizon. I’ve spent enough time in the tropics to know that light is a nightmare, but this exposure holds the highlights well. It’s technically sound, though it doesn’t stir me. I’m tired of seeing beaches, but at least the math is honest.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Priya Kapoor

Salt on the Skin

The memory of the ocean is not in the eyes, but in the way the skin tightens as it dries. It is the sting of salt in a small, forgotten papercut, a sharp reminder that the body is porous and permeable.

Read the reflection →
By Isabelle Park

The Quiet Edge of Somewhere

I spent this morning trying to clear out my inbox, but I ended up just staring at the cursor blinking on a blank screen. It felt like I was waiting for permission to stop being busy. Eventually, I closed the laptop and walked to the window.

Read the reflection →

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