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, readers have contributed over 470,000 images to Smithsonian’s annual photo contest. These stunning submissions have taken us on journeys across the globe, capturing fleeting, breathtaking moments and introducing us to remarkable people, places, and landscapes. Through this vast collection, photographers from nearly every corner of the world offer a window into their unique perspectives. You can explore this collection by searching for specific locations and topics, or by diving into individual photographer portfolios for inspiration.

The Smithsonian magazine’s 22nd Annual Photo Contest is now open for entries, beginning on September 18th, 2024, and running until 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on December 2nd, 2024. By entering, contestants agree to abide by the official contest rules and confirm that they are 18 years of age or older.

Eligibility:

The contest is open to photographers who are 18 years old or older, with prizes awarded in several categories: Grand Prize, Readers’ Choice, Natural World, Travel, People, The American Experience, Artistic Images, and Drone/Aerial. However, individuals directly affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution—including employees, interns, volunteers, trustees, and their immediate family members or household members—are ineligible to win prizes. The Smithsonian reserves the right to determine the eligibility of winners at its sole discretion.

Contest Categories:

Participants may submit their photographs in the following six categories, each focusing on subjects of particular interest to Smithsonian magazine:

1. Natural World: Images depicting animals, plants, landscapes, geological features, climatological phenomena, or scientific processes.

2. Travel: Photos showcasing locales, people, or activities, both in the United States and internationally, that capture the essence of a place.

3. People: Portraits or group photos that highlight individuals in their everyday lives.

4. The American Experience: Photos representing events, objects, or activities that connect the American people to their history or cultural heritage, providing insight into what it means to live in the United States.

5. Artistic Images: Photographs that creatively explore a concept or idea using photography as a medium. These images may be manipulated through photo-editing software or other techniques.

6. Drone/Aerial: Any photograph taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), or alternatively from aircraft like planes or helicopters.

To qualify, photos must have been taken after January 1, 2021. Entrants must certify that they are the original creator and copyright owner of their submitted images. Photos that have been cropped are eligible across all categories, and minor adjustments—such as the removal of sensor dust, sharpening, contrast modifications, and slight color adjustments—are permitted. However, the addition or removal of objects is only allowed in the Artistic Images category. Photos that exceed normal photojournalistic practices may be reclassified as Artistic Images or disqualified. Image composites, including high dynamic range (HDR) and stitched panoramas, will also be judged under Artistic Images. Photos created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) are strictly prohibited.

Additional Guidelines:

For any photo that includes a recognizable person, a model release from the subject (or, if a minor, from the subject's parent or guardian) must be provided upon request. Similarly, photos of artwork (e.g., sculptures, statues, or paintings) must include a release from the rights holder if requested by the Smithsonian. Photos of artwork must depict the object in its environment and should not be close-up images focusing exclusively on the creation. Sample model and art release forms are available for entrants.

If the necessary releases are not available, the Smithsonian reserves the right to disqualify the entry, attempt to secure the releases, or allow the photo to remain in the contest. All photos must comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Ineligible Content:

Photos that infringe upon the rights of others, including copyright violations, are not permitted. Additionally, photos containing sexually explicit, nude, violent, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate content, as determined by the Smithsonian, are disqualified from all categories.

Ethical Considerations:

Entrants are expected to disclose the circumstances under which their photo was taken, including any special instructions given to the subject. It is crucial that the welfare of the subject and its environment is prioritized above the goal of capturing a photograph. Entrants must certify that no harm came to any people, animals, or environments during the photo's creation. The use of live bait to attract wildlife is strictly prohibited, and any use of special equipment, such as camera traps or drones, must be disclosed at the time of submission.

By adhering to these ethical standards, the Smithsonian ensures that the contest not only highlights extraordinary photography but also promotes responsible and respectful practices in the art of image-making.