23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
A Mirror on an Easel Reflects the Sky, Framing Nature as a Perfect Canvas

In the center of a dry desert landscape I put an easel standing upright on rocky ground in front of an isolated bush. Instead of a painted canvas, it holds a mirror that reflects a clear blue sky. Behind the easel is a cactus, with spiky arms peeking out from both sides, blending with the easel legs to create a surreal photo. The mountains in the background are framed in the mirror that captures and isolates that blue sky like a paint swatch.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Joshua Tree, California, United States of America
Copyright: © Lenny Gerard