Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Blue eyes in magic hour

My friend Kalle and I had just been to the local beach when I decided to take advantage of the light of the setting sun. It was a busy, rush-hour ride, so we were lucky to have found seats. It felt tight and claustrophobic, and it is reflected in the composition of the shot - the cropped ears, no headroom, limited space between rows of seats. His piercing eyes dominate the image, at once inquiring, uncomfortable but also gentle and open. Amongst all the pictures I took of him on that trip, I feel this is the one that captures my friend's spirit the most faithfully.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Athens, Greece
Camera: iPhone 11 Pro
Copyright: © Tomas Baltazari