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

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Puffin in backlight

In this striking photograph, a puffin is captured in a low-light setting, with its distinctive beak illuminated against a dark background. The minimal lighting highlights the bird’s unique features and creates a dramatic, almost mysterious atmosphere. The contrast between the illuminated beak and the shadows emphasizes the puffin’s elegance and adds a sense of intrigue to the image.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Iceland
Camera: ILCE-1
Copyright: © Alex Pansier