The 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.