Smithsonian Photo Contest - 2019

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Our free photography contest recommendation of the day!

What does an award-winning photograph look like? It can range from an captivating portrait of a family member to a moon-drenched landscape to movement captured at just the right time. Our 17th Annual Photo Contest is now open for submissions, and we're looking for the best of the best.

What category should I select for my photograph?

Use your best judgment, but here are the guidelines we suggest you follow when selecting the category:

• Natural World: Animals, plants and landscapes; geological or climatological features; and scientific processes and endeavors.
• Travel: Locales, peoples or activities in the United States and abroad that convey a sense of place.
• People: Portraits and photos of groups or individuals.
• The American Experience: Events, objects or activities connecting the American people to their history or their cultural heritage; photographs that tell us what it means to be an American and provide a sense of what it is like to live in this country.
• Altered Images: Photographs manipulated for artistic purposes by applying digital and/or traditional special effects.
• Mobile: Any photograph taken with a mobile device (phone or tablet).

​What are the prizes?

• Grand Prize winner: $2,500, plus a trip to Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island sponsored by The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.
• Category winners: $500
  
• Readers' Choice winner: $500
  

​For full details, see our rules.