21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Swamp Symmetry - George L Smith State Park

I captured this sunrise image on Watson Pond in George L Smith State Park in late October, 2023. George L Smith is a Georgia State Park situated between Savannah and Macon, Georgia. The park is named after George L. Smith, a former speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives and Emanuel County native. Attractions include a grist mill, covered bridge, and the dam of the Parrish Mill (built 1880). The park's location on a 412-acre mill pond dotted with many cypress trees makes it a destination for anglers and canoeists. The moderately-sized state park is in a remote location, making it an attraction for bird watchers and naturalists. I was unaware of the park and its beauty until a bird enthusiast friend of mine mentioned it to me. I had been to the park in 2022 and had it on my list for a return trip. Luckily, it was a foggy morning and I captured this image from the boat dock close to the ranger station. I particularly like to symmetrical balance of this image with the small tree situated in the middle. I used a longer exposure to eliminate the ripples in the water.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Metter, Georgia, United States of America
Camera: ILCE-1
Copyright: © Jim Guerard