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

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Windmill, Moravia, Czech Republic

This photo was taken in the spring of 2024 in Moravia, Czech Republic, capturing a serene and harmonious rural scene. In the center of the image stands a classic windmill, its distinctive structure rising gracefully against the backdrop of a lush green field. The entire scene is bathed in soft shadow, lending it a tranquil, almost dreamlike atmosphere. However, a single ray of sunlight breaks through the overcast sky, spotlighting the windmill and giving it an ethereal glow. This subtle illumination draws the viewer’s attention to the windmill, making it the focal point of the composition. The contrast between the shadowed landscape and the sunlit windmill creates a sense of balance and calm, imbuing the scene with a feeling of harmony and idyllic simplicity. The gentle play of light and shadow, combined with the natural beauty of the green field, evokes a timeless sense of peace and rural charm.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Czechia
Camera: NIKON D6
Copyright: © Oleksii Samoilenko