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

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Riding at Sunset

The silhouetted riders atop their horses are the enduring image of the American cowboy, a symbol of self-reliance and the rugged frontier spirit. Framed against an expansive sky ablaze with fiery hues, the scene reflects the vastness and untamed beauty of the western landscape. These riders symbolize the spirit of exploration, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams that define the American story.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2022
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: None, United States of America
Copyright: © David Swindler
Awards
Photo of the Day: 04.10.25