14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Catacombs burn, across from firey temple sunrise; Burning Man 2016

I was attending the Burning Man festival this year with my girlfriend. Last year I lost two friends, one to suicide and the other to a very mysterious illness. Both losses were a month apart and I considered them good friends. Friday morning, during the catacombs burn, I was moved to tears, releasing the grief I had held for several months. We walked out to the temple as the sun peaked over the ridge. We arrived at this moment as the fire, sun, and temple aligned at just the right moment. I won't remember any moment more moving and beautiful than this one.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2016
Date Uploaded: 09.2016
Photo Location: Black Rock City, Nevada, United States of America
Camera: SAMSUNG-SM-N910A
Copyright: © Augustine Sanchez