23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Sand Dune Joy
A vibrant moment of pure, unscripted joy captured high in the Tây Nguyên (Central Highlands). Two young boys are fully immersed in play on a pile of sand (possibly construction aggregate), using simple toy trucks and their imagination to create a world of fun. Their bright laughter and enthusiasm, contrasted against the lush, majestic backdrop of the Vietnamese mountains, underscore the simple, timeless pleasure of outdoor play. I was truly stunned by their happiness, finding profound beauty in their ability to find such deep contentment in the natural setting of their hometown.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 05.2024 |
| Date Uploaded: | 11.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Tay Nguyen, Vietnam |
| Camera: | NIKON Z 8 |
| Copyright: | © Hung Phung QUang |