This opportunity has closed. It stays published for reference, and new cycles reopen here when the organizer announces them. Browse open opportunities

About this opportunity

The 23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest runs from September 15 to December 1, 2025 (5:00 PM EST). It invites photographers worldwide to submit original work across six themed categories:

Wildlife: Nature photography featuring animals or plants in the wild.
Travel: Images that capture a sense of place, either in the U.S. or abroad.
People: Portraits or group photos.
The American Experience at 250: In honor of the U.S. 250th anniversary, photos that reflect American history, culture, or identity.
Artistic Images: Conceptual or creatively manipulated photos.
Drone/Aerial: Photos taken via drone or aircraft. Each photo must have been taken on or after January 1, 2023, and entrants must be the sole creator and copyright holder. AI-generated or heavily altered images (outside the Artistic category) are not allowed. 🏆 Prizes Eight cash prizes will be awarded:
Grand Prize: $2,500
Category Winners (6 total): $500 each
Readers’ Choice Award: $500

Who can apply

Must be 18 years or older
Must be the sole creator and copyright holder of submitted photos
Must follow category guidelines and ethical standards
Employees or affiliates of the Smithsonian are not eligible
Must submit photos in .jpg/.jpeg/.gif format, 2,000+ pixels wide, ≤10MB
Finalists must provide high-res originals or negatives

Smithsonian MagazineCompetition

Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest (23rd Annual)

This one has closed

Archived

Opportunity type

Competition

Funding

Fully Funded

Location

Global

Deadline

Archived

About this opportunity

The 23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest runs from September 15 to December 1, 2025 (5:00 PM EST). It invites photographers worldwide to submit original work across six themed categories:

Wildlife: Nature photography featuring animals or plants in the wild.
Travel: Images that capture a sense of place, either in the U.S. or abroad.
People: Portraits or group photos.
The American Experience at 250: In honor of the U.S. 250th anniversary, photos that reflect American history, culture, or identity.
Artistic Images: Conceptual or creatively manipulated photos.
Drone/Aerial: Photos taken via drone or aircraft. Each photo must have been taken on or after January 1, 2023, and entrants must be the sole creator and copyright holder. AI-generated or heavily altered images (outside the Artistic category) are not allowed. 🏆 Prizes Eight cash prizes will be awarded:
Grand Prize: $2,500
Category Winners (6 total): $500 each
Readers’ Choice Award: $500

Who can apply

Must be 18 years or older
Must be the sole creator and copyright holder of submitted photos
Must follow category guidelines and ethical standards
Employees or affiliates of the Smithsonian are not eligible
Must submit photos in .jpg/.jpeg/.gif format, 2,000+ pixels wide, ≤10MB
Finalists must provide high-res originals or negatives

LOT finds and checks opportunities from public sources. Always confirm details on the organiser’s own page before applying.