23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Nature in miniature
In a brief moment of stillness, nature reveals its intricate craftsmanship. Resting on a slender tendril, minute dew droplets act as natural optical lenses, each forming a precise inverted image of the dahlia bloom beyond. The coiled vine creates a gentle structural frame emphasizing the delicate balance between botanical form and physical phenomena. This close-up encounter highlights the interplay of surface tension, light refraction and plant microhabitats showcasing how even the smallest elements of the natural world can produce striking visual complexity. Through these shimmering droplets, the photograph shows the subtle elegance and scientific wonder embedded in everyday ecological details.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 10.2025 |
| Date Uploaded: | 12.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Balasore, Odisha, India, India |
| Copyright: | © Sritam Kumar Sethy |