23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Drone/Aerial
In Perfect Sync

Photographed from a helicopter over Lake Magadi in Kenya, this 1/40-second image captures the essence of my goal for aerial 3S photography. By panning the camera in synchrony with the leading flock, the front flamingos remain sharply defined while the birds behind them stretch into soft trails of motion. Their elongated shadows add a second rhythm across the green water, enhancing the sense of speed and direction.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Lake Magadi, Kenya
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Yoshiki Nakamura