23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Riding the Reflection

During cherry blossom peak bloom, the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial was partially drained for its annual cleaning, leaving a thin layer of water across the basin. When a child biked through the shallow reflection, it created a rare and playful moment against one of D.C.’s most iconic backdrops.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2023
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
Camera: NIKON D780
Copyright: © Daniel Hamburg