23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Bridal Veil

A Great Egret preens among its sweeping breeding plumes, the delicate filaments transforming into flowing white lines against a dark background. The moment reduces the bird to pure form, texture, and motion.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Ocean City, New Jersey, United States of America
Camera: OM-1MarkII
Copyright: © Jacqueline Burke