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The ancient pyramids of the Giza Plateau stand over the western edge of  the city of Cairo.

See 15 Awesome Images From One of the World’s Most Impressive Aerial Photographers

From the cockpit of his plane, photographer Jassen Todorov’s eagle eye captures memorable landscapes

Young boys happily play with kites in a grassy field.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Take Flight in the New Year With These 15 Photographs of Beautiful Kites

See 15 images of colorful kites from around the world

Reykjavik Domestic Airport is located just a mile from the city center, so when planes fly in and out, passengers get a close view of buildings below. 

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Take Flight With These 20 Awe-Inspiring Aviation Images

See airplanes of all sizes, shapes and colors from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

A horse at the Minnesota State Fair receives attention and affection from visitors.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

These 20 Majestic Photos Show Just Why Humans Adore Horses

To commemorate the National Day of the Horse, see herds of equine images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

The shadows of early morning visitors are cast on the base of the Abraham Lincoln statue at his memorial on the National Mall. 

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

These 15 Photographs Capture What It’s Like to Walk Through Wonderful, Historic Washington, D.C.

Enjoy this selection of images of the nation’s capital from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

For some, these apples, pears and walnuts look like objects to be captured on canvas and turned into a work of art. For others, they’re snacks.

Fill Your Visual Cornucopia With These 15 Satisfying Photos of Favorite Fall Fruits

Enjoy this collection of images from the Smithsonian Magazine photo contest just in time for Thanksgiving

A lone boat sails along the salt marsh at sunset. South Carolina has around 500,000 acres of salt marsh.

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From Historic Houses to Scenic Salt Marshes, These 15 Photographs Capture the Charm of Charleston, South Carolina

Enjoy this collection of images of the coastal city from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Made with more than 2,000 hand-blown glass flowers, artist Dale Chihuly created Fiori di Como, this colorful ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. 

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

These 15 Gorgeous Photographs Capture the Beautiful Art of Blown and Stained Glass

From cathedrals to train stations to museums, these masterful displays showcase the remarkable talent that goes into creating the fragile art form

Many believe Augusta Charlotte Beysser Bartholdi, the mother of sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was the inspiration for the Statue of Liberty’s iconic face.  

These 15 Snapshots Capture the Inspirational Aura of the Lovely Lady Liberty

See iconic images of the Statue of Liberty from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

A curious kaka clings to a branch on Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, a bird and wildlife preserve in Pukeatua.  

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Zoom in to the Beauty and Zest of New Zealand With These 15 Stunning Photographs

The island nation is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous wildlife and scenic landscapes

Camel racing is a popular past-time among people in areas of Inner Mongolia. This rider is dressed in traditional attire.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

See 15 Remarkable Photographs of Camera-Ready Camels

Join these caravanners on a scenic journey across the desert from snapshots taken by entrants to the Smithsonian magazine photo contest

A church with a red roof and steeple sticks out against the sprawling landscape as the sun pokes through the hazy clouds.

Northern Europe and the British Isles

Get an Eyeful of Iceland in These 20 Photos That Capture Its Natural Beauty

These selections from the Smithsonian magazine photo contest will transport you to the small Scandinavian island

As popular as it is, coffee is only the third-most popular drink worldwide, after water and tea.

Celebrate National Coffee Day and Get Your Caffeine Fix With These 15 Photos

It’s a grand day to enjoy coffee-centric snapshots from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Nestled in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a historic Buddhist temple with a rich history spanning around 1,250 years.

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These 15 Gorgeous Photographs Illustrate the Ancient Beauty of Japan

From tranquil temples to the bright lights of Tokyo, look at images that capture the “Land of the Rising Sun”

Moms and dads of just about every species can relate to this image of a cub climbing on its parent’s back.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Behold These 15 Photographs of Big, Beautiful Bears

Get an up-close look at these massive mammals … from a safe distance

A matador and bull stand center stage as attendees look on during the San Fermín festival in Pamplona.

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See 15 Spectacular Photographs That Show Off Scenes From Spain

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest celebrate the Iberian nation

Almost like an arrow, the somewhat triangular shape of the architectural framework points this pedestrian in the right direction.

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Appreciate Awesome Architecture With These 20 Photos

No passport is needed for this virtual tour of beautiful buildings around the world

As the sun rises over the horizon, the Castle of Rocca Calascio emerges from the peaks of the Abruzzo Apennines.

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Explore 15 Captivating, Cool and Classic Castles

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest capture the grandeur of the historic fortresses

In some countries, it’s not uncommon to bring cows and other farm animals into the house with humans for the winter. It protects them from the chill and adds a source of heat to the home in frigid months.

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Get a Glimpse of Farm Life All Around the World

These 15 images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest will grow on you

Da Shuhua is a 500-year-old tradition that involves throwing molten iron (heated to more than 2,900 degrees) against a frozen wall to create a spectacle similar to fireworks.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

These 15 Remarkable Photographs of China Will Transport You Halfway Across the World

It’s as beautiful as it is historical. See the old, new and much of what’s in between in China

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