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 last 20 years, the Smithsonian’s annual photo contest has received over 470,000 images from readers around the world. These captivating photos have transported us to distant lands, captured breathtaking moments in time, and introduced us to fascinating people and one-of-a-kind landscapes. Photographers from nearly every country have contributed, offering a global perspective through their lenses. You can explore this vast archive of images by searching specific locations, themes, or browsing photographer portfolios to find inspiration.

The 22nd Annual Smithsonian magazine Photo Contest is open for submissions from September 18th, 2024, until 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on December 2nd, 2024. By entering, participants agree to the contest rules and must be at least 18 years of age.

Who Can Enter:

The contest is open to all photographers aged 18 and older. The categories include the Grand Prize, Readers’ Choice, Natural World, Travel, People, The American Experience, Artistic Images, and Drone/Aerial photography. However, anyone affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution—including employees, trustees, interns, volunteers, and their immediate family members—are not eligible to win any prizes. The Smithsonian will have the final say in determining the eligibility of all participants.

Contest Categories:

The contest is divided into six distinct categories, each reflecting key themes of interest to Smithsonian magazine:

1. Natural World: Photos that showcase the beauty of animals, plants, landscapes, and geological or climatic phenomena, as well as scientific exploration.

2. Travel: Images that capture a sense of place through scenes, people, or activities from around the world or within the United States.

3. People: Portraits or group photos of individuals that reflect unique stories or expressions.

4. The American Experience: Photographs that connect the American people to their history or culture, offering insight into the essence of living in the United States.

5. Artistic Images: Creative or imaginative photographs that use the medium of photography to express an idea or concept. These images may involve digital manipulation or other techniques.

6. Drone/Aerial: Any image captured using a drone or an aerial vehicle like a plane or helicopter.

To qualify for the contest, photos must have been taken by the entrant on or after January 1, 2021. Contestants must certify that they are the original creators and copyright owners of their images. Cropped photos are allowed in every category, and minor adjustments—such as contrast, toning, sharpening, or conversion to grayscale—are acceptable. However, adding or removing objects is only allowed in the Artistic Images category. Photos that exceed traditional photojournalistic edits may be moved to Artistic Images or disqualified. Any composite images, such as HDR or stitched panoramas, will be judged as Artistic Images. Photos generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not eligible for submission.

Rules on Model and Art Releases:

If a recognizable person appears in a photograph, the contestant must be able to provide a model release signed by the subject (or, if a minor, the subject’s guardian) upon request by the Smithsonian. Similarly, any image featuring someone else’s artwork (sculptures, statues, paintings, etc.) must be accompanied by a release from the rights holder. When photographing artwork, the focus should be on the work within its environment rather than a close-up of the piece. Sample release forms are available for both models and artwork upon request.

If the required releases are not provided, the Smithsonian reserves the right to disqualify the entry, seek the appropriate release, or allow the photo to remain in the contest. All photos must comply with local, state, and federal laws.

Content Restrictions:

Photographs that violate another person’s rights, including but not limited to copyright infringement, are not allowed. Additionally, images containing inappropriate content—such as sexually explicit, violent, nude, obscene, or otherwise objectionable material—are ineligible for submission, as determined by the Smithsonian at its discretion.

Ethical Standards:

Entrants are required to disclose the circumstances surrounding how their images were captured, including any specific directions given to subjects. Photographers are expected to prioritize the well-being of their subjects and the environment over the desire to capture a particular shot. By entering, participants agree that no harm was done to people, wildlife, or natural surroundings in the process of creating the image.

If baiting was used to attract wildlife, or if special equipment like drones or camera traps were involved in the photography process, this must be disclosed at the time of submission. The use of live bait to attract wildlife is strictly prohibited.

By upholding these ethical guidelines, the Smithsonian ensures the contest promotes not just excellent photography but responsible, respectful practices in the art form. This commitment to integrity helps protect the subjects, whether human or natural, and ensures their stories are told with care and consideration. ensures that the contest not only highlights extraordinary photography but also promotes responsible and respectful practices in the art of image-making.