I find this article quite fascinating. I have to admit that I never gave the question a single thought. I never really thought it was a photograph at all. This is the picture of which I write:

If it looks familiar to you that probably means you have been a Windows XP user for some time now.

There is an interesting story behind the picture. First and foremost, it is a photograph, taken by a man who is likely pretty rich right now. You can read about the photo, the man who took it, and the location here:

Ever wonder where the Windows XP default wallpaper came from?