Deadline: December 15, 2025
The Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025 is now open for entries! This globally recognised competition invites photographers from all backgrounds and levels to showcase their creativity, vision, and storytelling through photography. Whether you are a professional, enthusiast, or hobbyist, this is your chance to have your work featured on an international platform and win exciting cash prizes.
About the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025
Since its inception, the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest has celebrated outstanding photography that captures the essence of the world around us — from wildlife and travel to people, culture, and artistic imagination.
Organised by Smithsonian Magazine, part of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, this annual contest aims to spotlight the world’s most compelling visual stories.
Contest Categories
Entrants may submit photographs in any of the six exciting categories below:
- Wildlife:
Capturing animals and plants in their natural environment. - Travel:
Showcasing people, places, cultures, and activities that convey a strong sense of place — within the U.S. or internationally. - People:
Portraits or images that tell stories of individuals or groups. - The American Experience at 250:
Commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, this category seeks photographs that reflect the nation’s history, people, and diverse heritage. - Artistic Images:
Photos that creatively use composition, colour, light, and editing to produce unique artistic expressions. - Drone/Aerial:
Any image captured using a drone, aircraft, or any aerial device.
Prizes
Winners of the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025 will receive the following awards:
- 🏆 Grand Prize: USD $2,500
- 🥇 Category Winners (6 total): USD $500 each
- 🗳️ Reader’s Choice Award: USD $500
Eligibility Criteria
To enter the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older at the time of entry.
- Entries must have been captured on or after 1 January 2023.
- The entrant must be the sole creator and copyright owner of the image(s).
- Employees, volunteers, interns, or fellows of the Smithsonian Institution and their immediate families or households are not eligible to participate.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: 15 December 2025
Why You Should Enter the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025
Participating in this contest offers more than just the opportunity to win cash prizes. It provides:
- Global Recognition: Winners and finalists gain exposure through Smithsonian Magazine, reaching millions of readers worldwide.
- Creative Validation: Get your work evaluated by world-class judges and celebrated alongside top photographers.
- Storytelling Opportunity: Use photography to tell meaningful stories about culture, heritage, nature, or human connection.
- Networking & Visibility: Expand your portfolio and professional network through an internationally respected platform.
Tips for Applicants
- Ensure your photos were taken after 1 January 2023.
- Submit high-quality images that meet category requirements.
- Maintain copyright ownership and obtain consent from anyone identifiable in your photos.
- If working with youth or community groups, ensure ethical permissions and model releases are in place.
- Review the official contest rules carefully to understand image rights, file specifications, and submission process.
Who Should Apply
The contest is open to photographers worldwide, from professionals to passionate amateurs. It’s also a great opportunity for youth photographers, creatives, and storytellers looking to gain international exposure.
If you work in arts, youth development, or community storytelling, this contest can also serve as an inspiring engagement project — mentoring young photographers or showcasing community narratives through imagery.
How to Apply
Entries are submitted online through the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest platform. Participants can upload images in any of the six categories before the deadline.
👉 Read more about the programme
Final Thoughts
The Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025 offers a unique chance to merge art, storytelling, and global visibility. Whether your focus is wildlife, travel, culture, or creative artistry, this platform celebrates photography’s power to inspire and connect people across the world. Don’t miss your opportunity to share your perspective — and possibly become one of this year’s global winners!
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
Let’s help you present your creative or professional application with clarity and excellence.
