Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Drone/Aerial
The Golden Path

This shot was taken in a very remote spot, which we discovered by exploring the area with the help of satellite maps. We noticed many huge white sand dunes facing the Pacific Ocean. Getting there from the sea is almost impossible because of the long ocean wave. Getting there from land is also very difficult, because there are no roads, and even off-road vehicles can only get to the beginning of the dunes. We camped shortly after the end of the road, and I walked the stretch between the camp and the sea, crossing higher and higher dunes, until I reached the beach at sunset. From there I set off the drone to observe from above this absolutely pristine place, where the sun's grazing light created a special effect on the top of the dunes, creating a golden ridge.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Mexico
Camera: L1D-20c
Copyright: © Andrea Izzotti
Awards
Finalist