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

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Dear Elena

The photo was captured in mid blur. A friend of mine had recently died her hair and got a new jacket, and found herself wanting a portrait that reflected the change she was feeling both internally and externally. We began shooting and it wasn't until I watched her play with her hair and shake her head around that I told her to continue shaking her head till she began laughing. It was right before the laughter that I found this small moment of calm and composure, her face looking as if it is about to take a breath in.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: None, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 70D
Copyright: © Rona Ahdout