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

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Elegant flight

To me, red-crowned cranes represent the pinnacle of beauty and elegance in the avian world. I aimed to capture this particular crane in a way that emphasizes its grace and majesty, using a slow shutter speed against a dark background to heighten its elegance in motion. The blurred wings create a sense of ethereal movement, while the dark backdrop isolates and highlights the crane’s form, drawing attention to its striking red crown and delicate feathers. I wanted this image to showcase not only the physical beauty of this remarkable bird but also the refined grace it embodies.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Kushiro, Japan
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © Yoshiki Nakamura