23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Fences of Light

In the quiet courtyard of a Tehran university, autumn light transforms a simple scene into a metaphor for knowledge and barriers. The sharp shadows of the fence fall across the ground, while the gentle afternoon sun pierces through the gaps—each stripe of light a reminder that even through obstacles, illumination finds its way. This image captures a moment where structure and freedom coexist, and the cold metal of the fence is warmed by the golden glow of a passing season.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2025
Date Uploaded: 10.2025
Photo Location: Tehran, Iran
Camera: 2201117TG
Copyright: © Hadis Nazari