my photo essay and article bring together personal reflections from my exploration throughout south america’s most profound and awe-inspiring landscapes. the goal of my submission is to uplift the “voice” of the places i visited such that the story of place can be honored and heard. i also incorporate ideas about how nature’s harmony is part of what inspires awe, but that humans are active agents in the life of nature with responsibility to honor and reciprocate its gifts. i specifically sought to use photography as a tool in this effort to promote authentic experiences of awe for the reader.