Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2025

Posted on 25 September 2025

Deadline
1 December 2025

Who may enter
The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over.

Short description

This photo contest is organized by Smithsonian Magazine.

There are 6 categories:

• Wildlife
• Travel
• People
• The American Experience at 250
• Artistic Images
• Drone/Aerial

To be eligible for any category, a photograph must have been shot by the entrant since January 1, 2023.

Entry fees
The competition is free to enter.

Prizes
• Grand Prize: $2,500
• The winners of each of the six categories will receive $500.
• Readers’ Choice winner: $500 

Competition website
Visit the official competition website for more information.