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

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Stripes in Focus – A Dance of Depth and Contrast

Layers of Contrast – Masai Mara, Kenya.In this black-and-white image, I captured the subtle beauty of the Masai Mara's iconic zebras. The three zebras in the background stand sharp and defined, creating a powerful contrast against the soft, out-of-focus foreground zebras. This intentional separation adds depth and draws the viewer's eye to the distant herd, while the darkened top and bottom edges heighten the mood, making the scene feel more dramatic and timeless. Taken in the heart of the Mara, this photograph speaks to the dynamic interactions between subjects in the wild, where every detail—from the crisp lines of the background to the dreamy blur of the foreground—tells its own story."

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Masai Mara, Kenya
Camera: ILCE-1
Copyright: © Rajesh Bose