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

18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Woman soldier with her gun at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel

The Western Wall is an ancient limestone wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. A colourful mix of devout Jewish believers, pilgrims and tourists visit this holy place. Among people involved in prayers, religious celebrations and party-like gatherings, there was a group of woman soldiers saluting and taking group photos. Not being used to female soldiers in a battle suit, I wanted to capture the perceived contrast between manicured fingernails and a shot gun.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Copyright: © Ralf Steinberger