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

16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Golden Gate Bridge Brightens the Night

The Golden Gate Bridge is not only an iconic landmark but also a symbol that epitomises the American spirit and human civilisation's advancement. The Bridge was constructed during the depth of the Great Depression. The completion marks the American perseverance and determination. Aside from the aesthetic design that has mesmerised countless admirers, the Golden Gate Bridge is also a vein that transcends the fascinating creation of human—the electric light. It is the light that makes the night alive. The photo shows a vivid contrast between humanity and nature. Interestingly, if the orange colour represents humankind in this pic, then the guy on the rock is a solid proof. If we take away anything related to the human (the bridge and the light) from this photo, it will still look lifeless and ominous; similarly, if we remove all the natural settings, the bridge would look garish. It is the integration between the human-made and the nature that had inspired me to take this picture.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2018
Date Uploaded: 05.2018
Photo Location: San Francisco, California, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 80D
Copyright: © Xipu Li