23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
The Field's Illusion

A male Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus) takes a brief, elevated perch amidst the brush, captured using a multiple exposure technique to emphasize the ephemeral nature of its movement. The deliberate blur and overlap portray not just the bird's momentary stillness, but the restless energy and vibrant spirit that defines this iconic species in the wild. This image is a study in grace, captured as a whisper against the backdrop of the scrubland.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Pune, India
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Kapil Bhagwat