The Smithsonian Magazine, a business division of the Smithsonian Institution, invites photographers worldwide to enter its 23rd Annual Photo Contest, running from September 15 to December 1, 2025. Open to participants aged 18 and above, the contest celebrates creativity and storytelling across six categories: Wildlife, Travel, People, The American Experience at 250, Artistic Images, and Drone/Aerial.

Photographs must have been taken since January 1, 2023, and reflect originality, quality, and impact. Participants may submit up to 15 photos per category via the official website. AI-generated images and unethical practices, such as harm to subjects or the environment, are strictly prohibited.

A Grand Prize of $2,500 will be awarded, along with $500 category and Readers’ Choice prizes. Finalists will be announced in March 2026, with winners revealed online in spring 2026.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (5:00 PM EST)
• Finalists Announced: March 2026
• Winners Revealed: Spring 2026
• Funding Type: Cash Prize Competition
• Organizer: Smithsonian Magazine
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Photographers aged 18 and above
• Number of Opportunities: 8 Prizes (1 Grand Prize, 6 Category Winners, 1 Readers’ Choice)
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: United States

Prizes and Benefits

The prize details and amount are as follows:

• Grand Prize: $2,500
• Category Winners: $500 each
• Readers’ Choice Award: $500

• Winners may also receive non-cash recognition and have their work featured on the Smithsonian website and public exhibitions.

Competition Categories

The contest has six categories as follows:

1. Wildlife – Capturing animals and plants in their natural habitats.
2. Travel – Photographs reflecting people, places, and cultures around the world.
3. People – Portraits and group photos showcasing human stories.
4. The American Experience at 250 – Images celebrating the history and culture of the United States.
5. Artistic Images – Creative, concept-driven works using photography as an expressive medium.
6. Drone/Aerial – Photos captured via drones or aerial photography.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?

• Participants must be 18 years or older.
• Photos must have been taken on or after January 1, 2023.
• Both professional and amateur photographers may apply.
• Photos must comply with all local laws and ethical standards.
• Images created or altered using AI are not eligible.
• Entrants affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution or their immediate families are not eligible.

Submission Requirements:

• Photos must be taken on or after January 1, 2023, by the entrant.
• Entrant must be the sole creator and copyright owner of all submitted images.
• Cropped photos and minor edits (e.g., dust removal, sharpening, contrast, or color adjustment) are allowed.
• Object addition or removal is only permitted in the Artistic Images category.
• AI-generated or AI-manipulated images are not allowed.
• HDR and stitched panoramas will be judged in the Artistic Images category.
• Photos featuring recognizable people require a model release (parent/guardian for minors).
• Photos depicting copyrighted works (e.g., art, statues) require a release from the rights holder.
• Images must comply with federal, state, and local laws and not infringe on any rights.
• Photos containing nudity, violence, or inappropriate content will be disqualified.
• Entrants must disclose capture conditions and ensure ethical treatment of people, animals, and the environment.
• Baiting wildlife or causing harm to subjects is strictly prohibited; the use of equipment (e.g., drones, traps) must be disclosed.
• Up to 15 photographs per category (maximum of 90 total).
• Each photo in .jpeg, .jpg, or .gif format, at least 2,000 pixels wide, and under 10 MB.
• Model or property release forms if identifiable people or copyrighted works appear.
• Basic personal information (name, email).

Judging

The judging process and dates are as follows:

• Entries will be judged on creativity, quality, originality, relevance to the theme, and overall impact.
• Ten finalists per category will be selected, with one winner per category and one Grand Prize winner.
• Sixty finalists will be featured online in March 2026 for public voting on the Readers’ Choice Award.
• Winners (Grand Prize, Category, and Readers’ Choice) will be announced online in spring 2026.
• Winners will be notified by email and must respond within five business days.
• Contestants are asked not to inquire about entry or judging status.

How to Apply?

• Submit your photos online using the Submit Now button below.
• Ensure all files follow size and format requirements.
• No mail submissions accepted.
• All entries must be submitted before December 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM (EST).

Submit Now

Further details are available on the Smithsonian Magazine website.

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