23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
The women of Jawai, India. Leopard Country.

This image was taken while walking through the village roads of Pali near Jawai, Rajasthan. The bright colours stood out against the plastered walls built to protect villagers and livestock from roaming leopards in the region. I saw this moment through the wall’s organic openings and captured it spontaneously, followed by a small shared giggle when the woman noticed me.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Jawai, India
Camera: ILCE-7M3
Copyright: © Jessea St-Louis