16th Annual Smithsonian.com Photo Contest
Call for projects organizer
Smithsonian magazine is a monthly magazine created for modern, well-rounded individuals with diverse interests. It chronicles the arts, history, sciences and popular culture of the times. Our photos, articles, videos and slideshows take a dynamic and interactive approach to exploring our changing world.
Description
What does an award-winning photograph look like? It can range from an captivating portrait of a family member to a moon-drenched landscape to movement captured at just the right time. Our 16th Annual Photo Contest is now open for submissions, and we're looking for the best of the best.
There are 6 categories:
Natural World: Animals, plants and landscapes; geological or climatological features; and scientific processes and endeavors.
Travel: Locales, peoples or activities in the United States and abroad that convey a sense of place.
People: Portraits and photos of groups or individuals.
The American Experience: Events, objects or activities connecting the American people to their history or their cultural heritage; photographs that tell us what it means to be an American and provide a sense of what it is like to live in this country.
Altered Images: Photographs manipulated for artistic purposes by applying digital and/or traditional special effects (i.e., colorizing, toning, collage, photo composites, HDR, etc.).
Mobile: Any photograph taken with a mobile device (phone or tablet).
To be eligible for any category, a photograph must have been shot by the entrant since January 1, 2016.
Rewards
Grand Prize
$2 500(6) Winners of each categories
$500Readers' Choice
$500Timeline
Submission ends
No publication yet
Calls for projects that may be of interest to you
Photography
Solo Exhibition: December 2025 – Judged by Ed Kashi:
Maximize Your Exposure: Enter the Solo Exhibition Competition for a Month-Long Online Showcase
$45 to register
2 remaining days
Publication
Photography
2025 New York Photography Awards:
The New York Photography Awards program honors, recognizes, and promotes outstanding photographers worldwide, who share their vision with the world, through the lenses that portray the beauty of immutable reality, along with the dichotomy of Big Apple’s panorama.
$40 to register
7 remaining days
$5 000 + Certificate + Other
Photography
Rotterdam Photo Open Call:
Call for Entries! Be part of Rotterdam Photo 2026 – Echoes of Silence: War in the Artist’s Soul. Show how your lens captures the unseen impact of conflict — the emotions, memories, and resilience that follow silence. Submit your project now for the chance to exhibit, sell your work, and connect with global audiences in Rotterdam!
$40 to register
11 remaining days
Exhibition
Photography, Art
AAP Magazine 54 Nature: $1,000 Cash Prizes + Publication:
Nature Unveiled: Capturing the Splendor of Landscapes, Wildlife, Flora & Fauna Winners will receive $1,000 in cash awards, their winning image(s) or full portfolio published in AAP Magazine #54, a copy of the magazine, extensive press coverage and global recognition Early Bird Deadline: November 21, 2025 Deadline: December 9, 2025 Extended Deadline: December 12, 2025 Fees: Early Bird Deadline: $30/3 images - Regular Deadline $35/3 images
Registration fees
20 remaining days
$1 000 + Grant + Publication + Exhibition