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Tracy Scott Forson

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

Stories from Tracy Scott Forson

Kulasai Dasara is a festival wherein devotees dress up as deities, celestial beings and mythological characters, often with elaborate makeup and body paint.  

These 15 Photos of India, Saturated With Vibrant Color, Are Like Witnessing the Country Through a Kaleidoscope

Whether they signify spiritual connection or creative license, the bright, bold hues of the subcontinent often mean more than meets the eye

The granite peak of Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia rises more than 11,000 feet above sea level, attracting hikers and climbers from around the world.

These 15 Stunning Photographs Capture All That There Is to Love About the People, Land and Culture of Argentina

See images of the South American country’s charming cities, historic homes, beautiful beaches and majestic mountains

Each day, elephants roam the dry riverbed in Amboseli National Park in search of water and food. 

These 20 Playful and Powerful Photos of Elephants Will Leave You Astounded By the Majestic Mammals

On this World Elephant Day, you’ll never forget your favorite pachyderm among the selected memorable images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Formerly a royal residence, the Louvre Palace is now home to one of the world’s most famous museums.  

See 20 Picturesque Views of Paris

France’s charming city

Autumn colors frame a calm lake in Central Park as two people row beneath looming skyscrapers.

Verdant Beauty, Wide-Open Spaces, Elegant Architecture: Have a Look at 15 Photos That Show Why Central Park Is the Lifeblood of Manhattan

At the center of the concrete jungle, the green expanse provides New York with a real retreat to nature

An illuminated American flag display casts its colors onto passing cars, merging national symbolism with New York City’s constant flow of people and light.

July 4 Is Always a Star-Spangled-Banner Day for Old Glory. Celebrate With These 15 Images of the American Flag

Nothing symbolizes the promise of the nation like the stars and stripes flapping valiantly in the blue sky. As we approach the country’s 250th anniversary, this collection offers a moment of reflection

Neon lights illuminate an oddly empty Santa Monica Pier at night.

You’ll Be More Than Amused by These 15 Photos of Theme Parks. Their Electrifying Attractions Will Have Your Heart Racing Before You Even Set Foot on a Ride

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest remind us that amusement parks have entertained generations of thrill-seekers

One of the rewards of hiking up Machu Picchu is the definitive view of Huayna Picchu that it affords.

To See the Magnificence and Majesty of Machu Picchu Without the Hike, Check Out These Amazing Images

More than a million people make the arduous ascent to this wonder of the world each year. And most of them bring cameras, so even those who can’t make it are in luck.

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Cellphones Were Created to Untether Us. Then They Got Smart and Evolved Into an Omnipotent Appendage

One device made it possible to hold a telephone, a watch, a calculator, the mailbox, credit cards, a meteorologist, a television, a detailed map of the globe, millions of songs and books … all in one hand.

Rock formations pierce still waters as the sun sets along the coast of Algarve.

These 15 Stunning Photos Invite You to Take a Peek at the People, Places and Cultural Legacy of Picturesque Portugal

With its vibrant hues, vast landscapes and a venerable history, there’s much to love about the coastal country

A 235-foot-tall Delta IV takes off with 2.1 million pounds of thrust from its three RS-68A booster main engines, creating a magnificent light show in the sky.

See 15 Inspiring Images of Americans’ Accomplishments in Space Exploration That Will Have You Reaching for the Stars

These photographs from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest show the many ways that the nation’s brightest minds explore the great beyond with crewed spacecraft, rockets and space stations.

Two giraffes cross in elegant symmetry beneath a radiant sunset.

You’re Guaranteed to Spot at Least One Gorgeous Giraffe in Each of These 15 Stunning and Awe-Inspiring Images

With their singular coats, naturally craning collars and elegant gait, these skyscraping mammals can’t help but attract sightseers to their neck of the woods

The city of Chefchaouen is known for the brilliant blue hue covers the walls of buildings throughout the city.

From the Shining Seas to the Sandy Sahara, These 15 Photographs Showcase the Sensational Scenery of Morocco

This selection of Smithsonian Photo Contest submissions amount to a stunning virtual tour of the Mediterranean nation that includes camels and cats, medina markets and mosques

The spray from the cascade of Bridalveil Falls captures sunlight to create a rainbow of colors.

These 15 Breathtaking Photos of Yosemite National Park Will Have You Planning Your Next Vacation to the Great Outdoors

The park’s picturesque peaks, wonderful waterfalls and towering trees aren’t just photo opportunities; they’re visual poetry. And they’re just some of the reasons to love Yosemite

Flying Maine’s original state flag, from 1901, the schooner Timberwind sails out of the fog, past Fort Gorges in Casco Bay.

See 15 United States Military Forts Captured in Captivating Compositions From the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

These Army facilities, both active and decomissioned, show the breadth of ways they reflect the fabric of the nation

The sun sets behind the hills of Duluth, Minnesota, creating a warm glow on the shimmering surface of Lake Superior.

These 15 Majestic Photographs Showcase the Beauty of the Great Lakes and Will Make You Fall in Love With the Natural Wonders

The images of Lakes Huron, Erie, Superior, Michigan and Ontario are pulled from submissions to the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Installed in 2013, Igor Mitoraj’s “Centauro” sculpture stands in the Forum of Pompeii.

These Modern-Day Photographs Highlight Why, Centuries Later, Pompeii Still Attracts Throngs of Tourists and Archaeologists

The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius froze the ancient Roman city in time, giving modern-day humans a remarkable vision into the past

A cowgirl competes in a race that requires horses to run around barrels in an obstacle course.  

See 25 Photos of Real-Life Cowboys and Cowgirls Wrangling Cattle and Riding Bucking Broncos

Giddyap and get a look at these stunning selections from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Herders have used cowbells as tracking devices for livestock for thousands of years, a practice that continues today.

See 15 Sensational Scenes of Switzerland, Europe’s Alpine Wonderland That’s Beautiful No Matter the Season

These dramatic images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest capture the splendor of the European nation home to castles, alpine huts, snow-capped mountains and much more

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See the Spectacular Winners of Smithsonian Magazine’s 23rd Annual Photography Contest

This year’s best photos command attention by capturing intimate moments and bold colors

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