Photography Contest
Smithsonian Magazine Annual Photo Contest 2025
Deadline |
CLOSEDTheme |
Several CategoriesTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Open to photographers who are 18 years old or older.Entry Fees |
FREEPrizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
Smithsonian MagazineThe Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025 is the 23rd annual installment of their photography competitions, inviting photographers of all levels to showcase their vision through powerful images. The contest highlights creativity, originality, and storytelling across six dynamic categories: Wildlife, Travel, People, The American Experience at 250, Artistic Images, and Drone/Aerial photography. All photographs must have been taken since January 1, 2023, ensuring that entries capture fresh, contemporary perspectives on our world today. Submissions are judged by Smithsonian editors on factors such as artistic merit, technical excellence, and emotional impact, with finalists and winners gaining global recognition on Smithsonian Magazine’s website.
Beyond celebrating the art of photography, the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025 emphasizes the importance of documenting culture, nature, and human experiences in a rapidly changing world. The Wildlife category encourages participants to reveal the beauty and fragility of animals in their natural habitats, while the Travel and People categories highlight diverse cultures, communities, and personal stories from across the globe. With the inclusion of The American Experience at 250, photographers are invited to reflect on history, heritage, and identity as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Artistic Images reward experimental creativity, and the Drone/Aerial category embraces the latest technology, offering a fresh perspective from above.
The competition has become a prestigious platform for both emerging and professional photographers, with past contests receiving tens of thousands of submissions from more than 100 countries. Finalists and winners are not only awarded cash prizes but also gain significant exposure through Smithsonian’s extensive readership and online platforms. By participating, photographers join a global conversation about the power of images to inspire, inform, and connect. For anyone passionate about photography, whether hobbyists or seasoned professionals, the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025 is a remarkable opportunity to showcase talent on an international stage.
Eight prizes will be awarded: a Grand Prize of USD 2,500, six category winners each receive USD 500, and a Readers’ Choice winner (from among the 60 finalists) will also receive USD 500; winners may also receive additional non-cash prizes.
Beyond celebrating the art of photography, the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025 emphasizes the importance of documenting culture, nature, and human experiences in a rapidly changing world. The Wildlife category encourages participants to reveal the beauty and fragility of animals in their natural habitats, while the Travel and People categories highlight diverse cultures, communities, and personal stories from across the globe. With the inclusion of The American Experience at 250, photographers are invited to reflect on history, heritage, and identity as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Artistic Images reward experimental creativity, and the Drone/Aerial category embraces the latest technology, offering a fresh perspective from above.
The competition has become a prestigious platform for both emerging and professional photographers, with past contests receiving tens of thousands of submissions from more than 100 countries. Finalists and winners are not only awarded cash prizes but also gain significant exposure through Smithsonian’s extensive readership and online platforms. By participating, photographers join a global conversation about the power of images to inspire, inform, and connect. For anyone passionate about photography, whether hobbyists or seasoned professionals, the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025 is a remarkable opportunity to showcase talent on an international stage.
Eight prizes will be awarded: a Grand Prize of USD 2,500, six category winners each receive USD 500, and a Readers’ Choice winner (from among the 60 finalists) will also receive USD 500; winners may also receive additional non-cash prizes.
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #58 / B&W
$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #58 | Extensive press coverage and global recognition
© Jean Michel Clajot
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 05/19/26
Be Featured in our June 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 05/19/26
The Grant is given in order to allow the winnerto carry out the photo-reportage which has been presented for the Grant.
ENDS 05/30/26
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
ENDS 05/31/26
This season will feature five main categories, with ‘Family’ serving as the primary theme.
ENDS 06/01/26
The Paula Riff Award was created by the Center of Photographic Art and Lenscratch in 2021 as a way to celebrate and continue the legacy of artist Paula Riff.
ENDS 06/01/26
The Lenscratch Student Prize has opened up a whole new line of connections, opportunities and exposure.
ENDS 06/03/26
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 06/05/26
The application comprises a report made up of 8 to 15 photos.
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 06/30/26
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 07/01/26
Critical Mass sparks career-changing opportunities. Ready to get your work noticed? This is the place to do it.
ENDS 07/22/26
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 07/31/26
A competition for world class commercial photographers, judged by a prestigious panel of experts from renowned advertising agencies, magazines & brands.