23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Little Faces, Big Laughs

Captured in a sun-dappled moment, this photo freezes the purest joy of several young African boys. Faces lit up with unfiltered delight, they lean toward the camera—some pulling playful grimaces, others grinning so wide their eyes crinkle at the corners. There’s no pretense here, just the raw, contagious happiness of childhood: faces catching the light, bright smiles that seem to glow, and the kind of laughter that feels like it could echo through the air. It’s a small, precious snapshot of youth unbound, a reminder that joy needs no language to resonate.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2025
Date Uploaded: 09.2025
Photo Location: Brazzaville, Congo
Camera: DSLR-A350
Copyright: © PENG CHEN