Photographer:

Bernard Winer, Seattle

Photo taken:

July 21, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Photographer's description: "My wife, a geologist who has worked in the crater of Mount St. Helens, convinced me to visit this beautiful area. At the Johnston Ridge Observatory, a wonderful movie is shown about the eruption. Following the movie, the auditorium remains darkened, the movie screen rises, the drapes covering the windows behind the screen open, and this spectacular view of the mountain is seen. Camera was Nikon D3200, metering was on the bright mountain to create silhouettes of the people."

Expert says:

"I am in love with this photo! The mountain is perfectly exposed and the graphic lines of the window panes and drapes make it even more visually interesting. The silhouettes of the people help the photograph tell a story. The elongated crop makes me feel as if I am there, and having more black space on the top part of the photograph allows it to balance with the silhouetted people. Beautiful!"

— Katie Greene, Seattle Times photo staff