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Sticks and Stones by Shirren Lim

During a return trip to Penang Island, the photographer ventured along the coast to document the quiet decay of abandoned fishing jetties. This striking image captures a weathered structure of sticks and stones, rendered with a long exposure that softens the surrounding waters and emphasizes the textures of the aged materials. The composition is a masterclass in balance and stillness, drawing the viewer into a contemplative space. By focusing on the raw, elemental beauty of the coastline, the photographer transforms a simple relic into a poignant study of time and nature, earning recognition for its evocative and minimalist aesthetic.

Sticks and Stones by Shirren Lim
Nikon D7100 | Exposure 18sec @ f/11 | ISO 100 | Focal Length 52mm
Copyright Β© Shirren Lim
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Shirren Lim

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born in Penang, Malaysia, in 1970, Shirren Lim is a Jakarta-based photographer who discovered her true passion for the craft in 2009. While she specializes in portraiture, seeking to capture the sincere and uncovered expressions of humanity, her work is frequently noted for its intense, earthy quality and minimalist composition. Inspired by the iconic imagery of Steve McCurry, she strives to create photographs that resonate with the same emotional depth and global impact. Her work has been featured in various international web and printed publications.

Profile View Full Profile
11.7/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
154/500
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Award Reach | Reviews
11,119 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date June 19, 2015
69.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 13.0
Clarity 13.0
Composition 18.0
Style 13.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Penang, Malaysia

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Black & White Photography
Shirren Lim Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (11.5/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,507/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
11,119/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
1.5/5 points
154/500 Submission
Jury Score: 69.0/80
Resonance Score: 11.5/20
Total Award Score: 80.5/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Priya Sharma Negative Space, Minimalism & the Japanese Aesthetic Expert Review
The tide has retreated. It’s left behind only the skeleton of a jetty. I feel a sudden, sharp ache in my chest looking at these weathered sticks. They don’t fight the water. They accept the erasure. The long exposure turns the sea into a shroud. Nothing here is accidental. The empty corner is not empty. It’s a weight. A pause. I’ve never seen silence look so heavy. It’s enough.
Mei-Ling Chen Pattern, Geometry, Abstract Form & Visual Mathematics Expert Review
The vertical axis of the primary piling anchors the frame, creating a perfect 1:2 ratio against the receding horizon. Lim’s long exposure flattens the water into a negative space that forces the eye toward the jagged, high-contrast geometry of the wood. It’s a rigorous spatial equation. I’m genuinely moved by how the diagonal struts resolve the tension between decay and stability. It’s not just a jetty; it’s a beautifully calculated solution to the problem of stillness.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
18sec at f/11, ISO 100, 52mm. The long exposure flattens the water into a featureless gray plane, which is exactly what the decaying wood demanded. At 52mm, there’s no distortion to hide behind. It’s a clinical, honest choice. I’ve spent years looking at these jetties, and honestly, the silence here actually makes my teeth ache. You didn't overcook the post-processing. The technical discipline holds the frame together. It’s a correct, precise execution of a static subject.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Sven Lindqvist

The Weight of Remaining

To build is to invite the slow return of the earth. We place wood into the mud, stone against stone, believing in the permanence of our own hands. But the tide has a different memory.

Read the reflection →
By Margaret Holt

The Architecture of Absence

We often speak of ruins as if they were failuresβ€”the collapsed roof, the splintered timber, the wall that finally surrendered to the gravity of the seasons. But there is a quiet, stubborn dignity in the way things return to the earth.

Read the reflection →

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