Nature / Travel
Smithsonian Photo Contest
The overview
An opportunity for your work.
A hugely popular contest run by Smithsonian Magazine, attracting tens of thousands of entries each year. Categories include natural world, travel, people, and the American experience.
Know where you stand
Your photographs. Your rights.
good rights
Photographers keep copyright; the organiser takes limited publication rights.
Photographer retains copyright. Smithsonian receives licence for print and online publication.
Understand our rights ratingsWho can enter
Eligibility & entry notes.
Open to all photographers aged 18+
Beyond the prize
The Exposure Index.
silver tier · 51/100
How we assess exposureListing last verified 2 Apr 2026
Dates, fees and terms can change. Read the current rules on the official competition website before entering.