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Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

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

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

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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

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

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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.

A perch from the high plateaus surrounding Bryce Canyon offers a beautiful, tunnel-vision view of the national park’s wintry peaks. 

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Grab Your Hot Cocoa and Enjoy These 20 Gorgeous Images of Snowy Landscapes

These highlights from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest feature winter wonderlands

Coyote jumps high after a fresh October snowfall in Yellowstone National Park.

Rooted in the American West: Food, History and Culture

See 15 Wild and Wondrous Photographs of Yellowstone National Park

Take a virtual tour of the nation’s first—and some say most beautiful—national park

The Citadel of Dinant, a clifftop fortress more than 500 years old, looms above colorful buildings lining the Meuse River.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Behold Belgium’s Beauty in These 15 Scenic Photographs

See for yourself why the country is called the ‘heart of Europe’

A red-roofed residence is nestled in the rocks at the feet of the Cadini di Misurina.

Experience the Grandeur of the Italian Alps With These 15 Majestic Photographs

As the Winter Olympics come to their end in Milan and Cortina, enjoy these sweeping landscapes before booking your next trip to Europe

This statue of George Washington on horseback, dedicated in February 1860, is highlighted in silhouette.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Commemorate Presidents’ Day With 15 Images That Celebrate the Founding Fathers

See Smithsonian magazine contest photos that honor U.S. presidents and their monuments

A skier takes advantage of several inches of snow covering blanketing the landscape, including trees that resemble piles of cotton balls, on Revelstoke Mountain in British Columbia.

These 15 Inspiring Images of Winter Sports Will Help You Rediscover Your Olympic Spirit

You don’t have to be an Olympian to enjoy these snowy activities

Aarhus, Denmark, which refers to itself as the world’s smallest big city, boasts some of the most charming neighborhoods in Europe. These two beautifully symmetrical homes capture that charm perfectly.

Coastal Cities of Europe

These 15 Delightful Photos of Denmark Will Have You Booking Your Flights to Scandinavia This Weekend

A beautiful coastal land, there’s much to see in this northern European nation

Icicles form on a fence and reflect the blue sky after an ice storm.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Get an Eyeful of These 15 Photos of Incredibly Cool Icicles

Nature’s wintry accessory, icicles help beautify snowy landscapes

Built in 1872, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse sits atop a narrow point of land that extends almost a mile into the Pacific Ocean.

View 20 Beautiful Lighthouses That Lead the Way to Serene Scenes

These highlights from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest include cliffside towers and lovely landscapes

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

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