22nd Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2024

• Smithsonian Magazine

• Deadline: December 2nd, 2024

• Prize: $2,500 + Online Features

• Category: Several Categories

• Entry Fees: Free

• REGISTRATION: CLOSED. Click HERE for more Opportunities

Over the past two decades, the Smithsonian’s annual photo contest has received more than 470,000 images from photographers around the world. These photos have taken us to far-flung locations, captured stunning moments, and introduced us to remarkable people and landscapes. You can explore this incredible collection by searching images by location or topic, or by browsing photographer portfolios for inspiration.

The 22nd Annual Smithsonian magazine Photo Contest opens on September 18th, 2024, and closes at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on December 2nd, 2024. By submitting, participants agree to the contest rules and confirm they are 18 years old or older.

Who Can Enter:

Photographers aged 18 and older are eligible to compete in the following categories: Grand Prize, Readers’ Choice, Natural World, Travel, People, The American Experience, Artistic Images, and Drone/Aerial. However, employees, interns, and affiliates of the Smithsonian and their immediate families are not eligible to win. The Smithsonian will make the final determination on eligibility.

Contest Categories:

The competition features six categories that focus on subjects of interest to Smithsonian magazine:

1. Natural World: Images of animals, plants, landscapes, and natural phenomena.

2. Travel: Photos that evoke a sense of place through people, scenes, or activities, both domestic and international.

3. People: Portraits and photos of individuals or groups.

4. The American Experience: Images capturing events, objects, or experiences that connect people to U.S. history and culture.

5. Artistic Images: Creative photos that express ideas through photography, with or without digital manipulation.

6. Drone/Aerial: Photographs captured via drones or aerial vehicles.

Photos must have been taken on or after January 1, 2021. Participants must confirm that they are the sole creators and copyright holders of their submissions. Cropped photos and minor adjustments (e.g., color, contrast, sharpening) are allowed in all categories, while photo manipulation is limited to the Artistic Images category. Artificial Intelligence-generated images are prohibited.

Model and Art Releases:

If a person is recognizable in a photo, entrants must provide a model release upon request. Similarly, photos featuring artwork (like sculptures or paintings) must include a release from the rights holder. When photographing artwork, it should be part of its environment, not the sole focus. Sample releases are available upon request.

Failure to provide required releases may result in disqualification. All photos must comply with local, state, and federal laws.

Content Restrictions:

Photos infringing on another’s rights or containing inappropriate content—such as explicit, violent, or obscene material—are ineligible.

Ethical Guidelines:

Photographers must disclose the circumstances of how their photos were taken, including any instructions given to subjects. The welfare of subjects and the environment must come first. Entrants certify that no harm was done to people, animals, or the environment during the process. Use of live bait to attract wildlife is prohibited, and any use of special equipment, like drones, must be disclosed.

By adhering to these ethical standards, the contest ensures the integrity of the images while respecting the dignity of subjects and the environment.