Articles tagged as Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

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

June 12, 2026

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.

June 5, 2026

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

May 29, 2026

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

May 22, 2026

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

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

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

May 15, 2026

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

May 8, 2026

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

May 1, 2026

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

April 24, 2026

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

April/May 2026

A child’s grin stretches from ear to ear in Bani.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

See 15 Images of Wondrous West Africa From the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Journey to Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso and many more nations through this gallery of the people, culture and wildlife of the region

March 27, 2026

View 60 Captivating Finalists From the 23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest. Then, Vote for Your Favorite!

This year’s finalists carry us across landscapes and cultures, into moments with people and wildlife. Now, you too can select the one you deem most deserving of the Readers’ Choice award.

March 16, 2026