Ghostly by Don Peterson

Captured in the haunting stillness of Bodie, California, this photograph depicts the remnants of a historic ghost town bathed in the ethereal glow of the late afternoon sun. The photographer navigated the hillside into the town streets, timing the shot to catch the golden light as it illuminated the weathered, abandoned architecture. By transforming the decaying structures into a scene of warmth and life, the image evokes a profound sense of nostalgia and history. Its ability to turn a desolate, forgotten location into a vibrant, storytelling composition is what distinguishes this work as a standout piece of travel photography.

Ghostly by Don Peterson
Nikon D90 | Exposure 1/13sec @ f/8 | Focal Length 42mm
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Don Peterson

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Don Peterson is a dedicated photographer based in Rio Vista, California, whose lifelong passion for the craft was ignited in his youth. After a career as an industrial mechanic, he pursued formal education, earning a BA in Photography from Columbia College Chicago at the age of 63. Since 2007, he has lived a nomadic lifestyle, traveling extensively across the country in a motor home to document diverse landscapes and unique locations, sharing his experiences through his long-standing travel blog.

12.3/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
195/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
22,519 views | 5 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date April 5, 2011
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 15.0
Style 13.0
Skill 12.0
Photograph Location
Bodie, United States

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (12.0/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,770/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
22,519/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
2.0/5 points
195/500 Submission
Jury Score: 64.0/80
Resonance Score: 12.0/20
Total Award Score: 76.0/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 5

Reflections on this Photograph
By Sven Lindqvist

The Weight of Absence

We build structures to hold our lives, yet the wood eventually forgets the hands that shaped it. There is a specific silence in a room that no longer expects a guest.

Read the reflection →
By Priya Kapoor

The Salt of Stilled Time

The smell of dry rot is not just decay; it is the scent of a house exhaling its last breath of pine and dust.

Read the reflection →

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