Photography Contest

Smithsonian Magazine Annual Photo Contest 2024

Smithsonian Magazine Annual Photo Contest 2024

Deadline |

CLOSED

Theme |

Several Categories

Territory |

Worldwide

Eligibility |

Open to photographers who are 18 years old or older.

Entry Fees |

FREE

Prizes |

Cash Prize
Prizes:

Eight prizes will be awarded, as follows:
Grand Prize: $2,500.
Category Winners: The winners of each of the six categories will receive $500.
Readers' Choice: The winner of the online Readers’ Choice award will receive $500.
One cash prize per person; winners may receive additional non-cash prizes. Winners must sign a release and license, as well as a declaration of eligibility, and will be responsible for paying any fees or taxes associated with the prize. All prizes are awarded “as is” and non-transferable. In case applicable law prohibits the Smithsonian from awarding a photographer the cash prize and/or any non-cash prize, the Smithsonian may award the prize in name only.

Online Features: The Smithsonian may select photos for highlight on its website or display in a publicly accessible contest archive. Such selections will be made in the Smithsonian’s sole discretion. The Smithsonian will select 10 finalists per category, a winner for each category, and a Grand Prize winner from the 60 finalists. The 60 finalists will be notified of their status and appear on our website in March 2025. At that time, the public can vote on the offical website for the Readers’ Choice winner from among the 60 finalists. The Readers' Choice winner, Grand Prize winner and category winners will be revealed online in spring 2025.

Featured Photo Contest

AAP Magazine #59 / SHAPES

$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #59 | Extensive press coverage and global recognition

Best Photography Contests in 2024

Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2024 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!

ENDS 06/07/26
The next edition of the Circulation(s) festival will take place in spring 2027 at the CENTQUATRE-PARIS.
ENDS 06/08/26
Submit your project now for the opportunity to present your work at Paris Photo and at Gare de Lyon.
ENDS 06/15/26
Submit your best photographs now and get your chance to be one of the winners awarded in Siena!
ENDS 06/17/26
Submit your best work to our photo competition for a chance to win up to $11,500 in cash prizes, be selected by our curators for the PX3 exhibition in Paris and inclusion in the Annual PX3 book.
ENDS 06/19/26
EXHIBITION DATE: July 4th
ENDS 06/20/26
Guest Room aims to spark collaboration.
ENDS 06/21/26
EXHIBITION DATE: June 21st
ENDS 06/23/26
Be Featured in our July 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 06/28/26
The international photography contest URBAN Photo Awards is here: registrations will open on March 28th and this 16th edition will be the largest and most important ever.
ENDS 06/30/26
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 06/30/26
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
ENDS 07/01/26
Critical Mass sparks career-changing opportunities. Ready to get your work noticed? This is the place to do it.
ENDS 07/02/26
The Emerging Photographer Grant aims to provide a $10,000 grant to visual storytellers at the beginning of their careers in order to develop impactful visual narratives.
ENDS 07/07/26
Our 59th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Shapes".
ENDS 07/08/26
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL FOTO AWARDS is an international platform for photographers from all levels and genres to share their best images with the creative community in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
ENDS 07/31/26
A competition for world class commercial photographers, judged by a prestigious panel of experts from renowned advertising agencies, magazines & brands.
ENDS 09/13/26
Eurazeo is launching the Eurazeo Photo Prize grant, with funding of €20,000
ENDS 09/24/26
A total of $8,000 in grants will be awarded to three outstanding artists
ENDS 10/11/26
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 11/26/26
Provides a platform for photography students worldwide - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/05/27
Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/05/27
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/12/27
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!