23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
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