This is an absolutely stunning image...I love the colors that stick out on the right and the darker more neutral colors of the fisherman in the boat. The sun does a great job of illuminating the net too...a spectacular photo.

You cought the intricate relationship that bonds both men and women who combine their knowledge to work together and understand how to live in harmony on the earth. The people, introspectively focused on their own tasks, seem fully aware of their partner's role. Contrast's of light, debth of field, sensious water ripples, texture and splash of color seem to reflect respect from the earth for this couple.

This photo is amazing! Love it! An award well deserved!

Wow, I wish I was that good.

Not only do I love this fantastic capture, but I love that photography truly does cross language barriers.

Beautiful photograph. Comments about being like an old master painting are so right - it remonds me strongly of some of Puvis de Chavannes, a late 19th century French painter. Same air of tranquil mystery. Superb!!

The Picture Gives Me An Immediate Feeling Of Peace. My Entire Body Reacted With A Feeling Of Being An Outsider Looking At What Peace Feels Like. The Combination Of The Natural Process In The Enviorment Along With The Hard Work That Begun To Ensue.

Wow!. Patience and creativity pays.

At first I thought it was a painting in the old fashioned masters style; I had to read the text to realize it was a photograph; absolutely beautiful, worthy and thensome of grand prize

Gorgeous shot!

Wow.. This is an amazing photo. I love it. Great job Johan Ensing !

A great image by johan! He has some amazing work! You can view more of Johan's work at www.levori.com where he has won the past 2 months Judges Pic awards.

Real Nice Work! Inspires the creative soul!

Awesom

Looking at this picture it just take my breath away. Well done.

Beautiful picture...I know where Erhai is, just never thought it could be this miraculous...

love this picture... seems is talking .

I live here;this is my front lawn....I welcome visitors.

Incredible composition! Fabulous lighting! I'm there!

I would like to know if it is possible to buy a copy. The use of light is incredible.

Is it possible to get a copy of this amazing photo? I am drawn back to it over and over again. Absolutely mesmerizing!

Reply to Charles Jones:

Camera used for the grand prize winning photograph was the Nikon D700. No information on the lense used.

As Gary Weissbrot asked on July 26th. How do we contact the artist/photographer?
This photo has all the elements of light, color and humanity. I have just joined a .NL forum in order to get in touch with the artist. As a member of the Phoenix Art Museum Contemorary Forum and a member of the Smithsonian Family,I am truly bless to see this photo.I would like to thank Johan Ensing for the beautiful image.

Magnificant! Can you share the camera & lense used to capture this perfect moment?

Kudos! Mr. Ensing, you have a very discerning eye and a lot of technical skill. If Rembrandt had painted this picture it would have been worth millions. As it is, it is worth more, because our huge community on both the internet and the readers of the Smithsonian get to enjoy a truly remarkable and beautiful scene. Thanks very much!

A breathtaking image. Is it possible to acquire a signed original from the photographer?

My first time at this site. I was at Lake Erhai 2001.
Congratulations - Beautiful photograph. For me - It is now a favourite desk top background.

Johan, this is an amazingly beautiful photo. Awesome in every possible way how you captured that moment. It is my all time favorite. Grand prize surely deserved.

Wow. Just beautiful. The green and red pop right out of the photograph. Well done.

At first glance, I though it was a spider web.

I would like to congratulate you for your skillfull photo. Best regards.

Kani Polat

The sense of movement and tranquilness is stunningly beautiful.

I agree that this photo is the Grand Winner, this is a well thought out shoot and not something I would see where I live...

The nets could easily be mistaken for finest silk...just beautiful in every way!

It's not often that you get to experience a photograph that enables you to "feel" the light. Awesome.

The ripples of the water and the thin lines of the net, divided by the tree in the very middle, set the stage for the magical view of 'work'..brillant.

This is stunning. It looks more like a painting than a photograph.

Love the use of available light, congrats

This is a gorgeous photo, but I am especially taken with how you managed to capture what appears to be two entirely separate scenes in one shot. The left being on the water, colors more subdued; the right on land with much more vibrancy. Perfectly separated by the center pole and balanced by the two human subjects. Two people less than 40 feet apart, but in seemingly different places. Great shot!

I get an amazing feeling from this photo. The light and the colors are Mesmerizing! It almost looks like a fantasy! You have my vote as well. This is indeed the winner in my eyes!

I Love this. The brilliant color forward from the sepia/black and white background is breathtaking. One of my favorites!

One morning, in the mountains of Vermont, I strolled down to my in-laws' pond to see the mist rising. Just before I reached the water, I was stopped by an enormous, perfect spider web, glittering with dew and the morning sun. And here is that feeling again. Tranquillity. Peace. Quiet water. Thank you for this. You have my vote.

Captivating. Etherial. In the right light everyday things become a work of art. Never take anything for granted. Life is a blessing in every way.

love the colors the sun is just beginning to pick up of the person holding the net.

Nice. Very good use of light