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

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
The Lone Cyclist Against the Sky

When I was traveling through a rural area, I stumbled upon this scene that seemed to capture a world of its own. As I reached the end of a quiet path, I noticed a man with his bicycle silhouetted against the vast sky. Standing at the top of a rugged stone stairway, he appeared almost frozen in a moment of reflection. The clouds above swirled dramatically, casting light and shadow in a way that felt cinematic. This photograph, taken in black and white, highlights the serene yet powerful presence of rural life, where simplicity meets profound beauty in unexpected places.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Purulia, India
Camera: NIKON D750
Copyright: © Debashis Mukherjee