Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest (23rd Annual)

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

• 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