21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Wild & Free

On my last afternoon in Torres Del Paine, I used my binoculars to spot a herd of wild horses. I trailed them for a couple miles until I was within a few hundred yards of the group. I didn't want to startle any of the horses, so I used my telephoto lens to photograph them against the incredible mountain backdrop. After shooting several hundred exposures, a beautiful white horse separated from the herd. I quickly positioned myself to frame the horse against the mountains, and couldn't believe my good fortune when it lifted its head and looked directly at me. It was an unforgettable moment.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Puerto Natales, Chile
Camera: NIKON Z 7
Copyright: © Max Foster