The 70 finalists for the 14th Annual Smithsonian Photo Contest have recently been announced, and as you're about to see from this stunning selection, the judges are going to have a very difficult time picking a winner.
The competition received 48,000 submissions from photographers across 146 countries and territories, and voting is now open for the Reader's Choice winner. The voting will be closed on March 27, and the winner will be revealed alongside the Grand Prize and category winners the following day. We have chosen 20 of our favorite photos and we think you'll agree that they're all pretty awe-inspiring.
After you have feasted your eyes upon these stunning photos, head over here to vote for your favorite.
Butterflies and Silkmoths Have Never Looked This Good!
Adam Gor is a Hungary-based biology student who has a love for macro nature photography. Take a look at some of his stunning work here.
Love In a Pandemic: 15 Best Wedding Photos of 2020
The Coronavirus did not stop people around the world from celebrating their love - take a look at the best wedding photos of 2020
Stunning Winning Photos from Sony's 2017 Competition
A selection of stunning winning photos taken from Sony's 2017 World Photography Contest. These photographs will amaze you!
Stunning Underwater Photography That'll Make Your Jaw Drop
A selection of stunning photos taken from the Underwater Photography Contest 2017.
During Winter, Japan is the Most Beautiful Place on Earth!
When viewing these shots of Japan in winter, you’ll feel as if you have just entered a secret wonderland, surrounded by a mysterious aura. Take a look!
15 Photos That Capture the Magic and Beauty of Motion
Here is a look at the winners of the International Photo Contest that celebrates the art of movement.
The Beauty of Wooden Artistry: 15 Stunning Examples
Check out some of the most impressive handmade woodworking projects.
10 Medieval Walled Cities that Are a Wonder to Visit!
There's something spectacular about beholding a medieval walled city. You're instantly transported back in time. Take a look at the world's 10 best.
21 Photos from The World's Most Beautiful Historical Sites
For professional photographers, historical sites are among the most picturesque places in the world, proof of which you can see in these photos...
These Images Will Make You Look Twice...
These cool accidental optical illusions caught in camera will have you look twice!
This National Geographic Contest Winners are Spectacular
National Geographic is synonymous with outstanding photography, and its awards are no exception. Take a look at the best National Geographic photos of 2018.
Check Out 20 of the Strangest Buildings Ever Constructed
If you love exploring the architecture of the world, then you're in for a real treat, since this post explores the world's weirdest buildings...
These Historical Building Restorations Only Did More Harm
The restoration projects of these historical buildings didn't go according to plan, it seems, and these 12 buildings were transformed beyond belief...
These Striking Photos Show the Nostalgia of Days Gone By
There's nothing quite like black and white photos to evoke some serious nostalgia. Take a look at these 25 photos to see a world gone by.
These Stunning Panoramic Photos Will Leave You in Awe
The exceptional winners of the 2024 Epson International Pano Awards will leave you in awe.
Feast Your Eyes on 10 of the World's Most Amazing Palaces
From Asia to Europe, here are 10 majestic palaces that will captive you with their architectural styles.
These National Geographic Photos All Won Awards
These beautiful photos are all winners and runner ups of National geographic's travelers' photography competition.
12 Glorious Views of the Ancient Forest of Madeira
Madeira’s Laurel forest is as ancient as it is breathtaking. Witness the beauty of the primeval forest and learn more about its history here...
These Photos Are So Well-Timed, They Almost Look Unreal
These photos are so well-timed that I have no doubt that they'll leave you aghast. Take a look!
See 21 Great Photos That Showcase the Wonders of Our World
Most of us are familiar Wikipedia, the site that provides us with information. Here are 25 of the most beautiful photos the encyclopedia has presented in 2018.
The Charm of the Faroe Islands in 12 Stunning Photos
Are you familiar with the Faroe Islands? The natural beauty of this European archipelago is often compared to that of Iceland.
18 Pieces of Furniture With Entirely Unique Designs
Behold some of the most fascinating designs for furniture we've seen in a while!
These Urban Megaprojects Are the World's Most Ambitious
Two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, and planners are making preparations for that eventuality. Here are 11 urban megaprojects.
6:09
Explore Poland's Epic Historical Architecture from the Sky
Don't consider Poland to be one of the most beautiful countries in the world? We can guarantee that this video will make you change your mind!
15 Famous People In History That Were Really Good-Looking
A collection of 15 vintage photos that prove that some of the famous figures in history were quite attractive...
Gallery: 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year
Check out the jaw-dropping photos of 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year.
The Name of the Game is... Camouflage!
These confusing pictures will challenge your vision and your mind!
Japanese Artist Lito Creates Magical Leaf Art (18 Pics)
Japanese artist Lito elevates the art of leaf carving with his unbelievably intricate designs.
Ingenious Solutions That Should Be More Widely Available!
Where there is a problem, there is also a clever inventor to come up with a solution, as shown in these 22 pictures of cool solutions to everyday problems!
20 Pictures that Show How the World Changed over 100 Years
A gallery of bizarre, nostalgic or unique black and white pictures
14 Famous Things Invented by the Japanese
The Japanese are some of the most creative people in the world. Here are 14 things that we bet you didn’t know were originally invented by the Japanese.
7:36
5 Ancient Roman Buildings Still Inhabited Today
These Ancient Roman homes were never really abandoned. In fact, some of them are almost perfectly preserved and inhabited to this day...
In Pictures – World Sports Photography Awards 2025 Winners
Check out the outstanding winning images from the World Sports Photography Awards 2025 contest.
16 Rare Coins From Different Eras and Nations
Here’s look at some rare and unusual coins that have captured the interest of collectors and researchers alike.
Walk Back In Time With These Colorized Vintage Photographs
Colorization technology has meant that old black and white photographs can be brought to life in full color. Take a look at these stunning images.
In Pictures: 2024 Photographer of the Year Winners
Marvel at the breathtaking winners of the 2024 Photographer of the Year contest.
Look Up! Take a Look at Stunning Panoramic Church Ceilings
These unique photos of the interior of beautiful churches is something I won't soon forget.
5:09
What Does Your Home Say About You?
Your home can say a whole lot about your state of mind, so make sure you furnish it to the best of your ability!
30 Vintage Pics That Are Worth More Than a Million Words
Enjoy this great collection of rare historical photos.
Astrophotography: The Perfect Blend of Art and Science
From vibrant photos of the Northern lights to incredible snaps of the sun - these photos all have the chance to win Astononmy Photo of the Year and rightfully so!
Travel Back in Time to June 6, 1944. What Did it Look Like?
Discover a free archive of over 3,000 photos from the Invasion of Normandy
Here Are 14 of the Funniest Wildlife Pictures You Will See
Sometimes wild animals can be pretty amusing without realizing it and these hilarious pictures show them at their funniest!
Bask in the Glory of Mother Nature
After taking a look at these amazing photos, it should become clear that Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with!
These Chinese Gardens are the Perfect Place for Relaxation
These gardens combine beauty and function, and are places of pure serenity and unparalleled grace.
Learn All About the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World...
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World serve as testament to the imagination, ingenuity, and sheer hard work of which human beings are capable. Learn more here.
This Photographer Creates Uniquely Magical Illusions
Sometimes perspective is everything in photography and can completely change the way you look at something. Check out these photos.
These Soulful Photos Depict Bygone Days in Vivid Color!
Looking through these splendid historical pictures is guaranteed to make you feel nostalgic!
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.



















