23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Walking on Liquid Light
A lone brown bear emerges from the morning mist, silhouetted against shimmering waters that dance with reflected sunlight. Captured at the perfect moment when wilderness meets wonder, this image speaks to the quiet strength and solitary beauty of one of nature's most magnificent creatures. The interplay of light and shadow, the bear's determined stride, and the ethereal atmosphere create a scene that feels both timeless and fleeting—a reminder of the wild places that still exist and the creatures that call them home.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 07.2025 |
| Date Uploaded: | 12.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Lake Clark, Alaska, United States of America |
| Camera: | ILCE-1 |
| Copyright: | © Janet Gustin |