23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
A slice of Americana in Ada, Michigan

Michigan based Dave Thompson’s mastery of natural light and tonal nuance gives the photograph its signature resonance. The warm glow drifting across storefronts, the subtle texture in the turning leaves, and the clean leading lines of the street all work in harmony to draw the viewer into the scene. With controlled exposure and an instinctive feel for timing, he reveals the quiet beauty of a Michigan morning on the cusp of change. This is more than a landscape, it’s a crafted moment that highlights Thompson’s ability to blend artistry with authenticity, turning a simple Ada street into a compelling portrait of American life.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2023
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Ada, Michigan, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D5
Copyright: © Dave Thompson