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.
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!
After Seeing These Photos, You'll Book a Trip to Japan!
Andrew Alexeyev traveled around Japan with his wife and took some stunning photos along the way. Here are some of them!
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.
Have You Ever Seen Such Stunning, Artistic Photography?
What's better than a collection of photographs of stunning locations? Adding models wearing beautiful dresses, of course!
Astronomy Photographer of the Year: 18 Stunning Finalists
The shortlist for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has been unveiled and the celestial images are absolutely stunning.
These Amazing Astronomy Photos Will Leave You Speechless!
The Royal Observatory’s Insight Investment Astronomy Photographs of the Year awards has released its shortlist for the best space pictures.
These Mind-Bending Photos Will Have You Do a Double Take!
Optical illusions don't have to be serious and sciency. In fact, they can actually be quite hilarious at times! Here are 17 examples!
Is This the Most Beautiful Church In France? You Decide…
We have all heard of the famous Notre Dame Church in France, However, Leeser know Sainte-Chappelle is quite the competition for it....
12 Gorgeous Churches That Reveal France's Beautiful Past
France's rich culture is not built on food, shopping or fashion, but centuries of Christian worship. These 12 magnificent churches remind us of France's gifts.
This Couple Did Something Sweet to Mark 70 Years Together
Not many of us make it to our platinum wedding anniversary, but this Chinese couple most certainly did. To mark the special occasion, they recreated their wedding day.
14 Magnificent Examples of American Architecture
Here are 14 photos that will showcase the marvels of American architecture.
See 16 Amazing Pictures Taken On the Island Of Madagascar
Welcome to Madagascar - the most magical island in the world. These beautiful pictures will make you feel like packing a suitcase and flying there right now!
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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...
Undiscovered History: 20 Rarely-Seen Vintage Photos
These rare vintage photos bring forgotten history to life.
Let Your Eyes Swim With Whales and Dolphins...
Take a look at this stunning photo collection of beautiful whales and dolphins by British Photographer Christopher Swann.
18 Things About the Eiffel Tower You Never Knew
The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the best known and loved building in the world. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of wild stories about it. Here are some...
Nature is So Beautiful! 15 Glorious Photos of Birds
These beautiful photos showcase the most precious, intimate, and beautiful moments of various birds in their natural habitats.
What Were They Thinking When They Put Up These Buildings!?
There are always buildings that people wish were never constructed, and the 50 you're about to see in this post are no exception. Here they are!
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...
Are These Japanese Houses Crazy or Artistic?
The Japanese are known for being a little eccentric. Put that together with their enterprising spirit and there's a recipe for weirdest home designs ever!
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.
Our World is a Place of Wonder & Curiosity - 18 Photos
These photos have one common thread running through them - each one depicts poignant and fascinating moments that you wouldn’t want to miss!
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.
Award Winning Panoramic Photos From All Over the World
The talented winners of the EPSON Pano Awards photography contest offer absolutely breathtaking panoramic views
Explore the Magic of Outer Space Through These 15 Images
Here are 15 of the most captivating astronomy pictures.
Previous Generations Sure Knew a Thing or Two About Style
It's not just your imagination, people in the past really were more stylish and glamorous. Take a walk down memory lane with these 11 nostalgic photos.
You Can’t Tear Your Eyes Away From These Bizarre Buildings
Explore some of the most unusual yet fascinating buildings from around the world…
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!
Incredible Ancient Ruins Restored to Their Former Glory
What did these 7 ancient ruins look like back when they were first created? Fascinating!
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
The Pandemic That Came Before: Photos From the Spanish Flu
Life during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic was eerily similar to what we are experiencing today, as seen in this collection of vintage photos
12 Stunning Award-Winning Photos from Zoos and Aquariums
Check out the winning entries of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums photography competition.
Rediscover History With 17 Rare and Surprising Images
We all learned a great deal about the events that shaped the world but some things are hard to really understand from a textbook...
Incredible Old Photos: Amsterdam Over 100 Years Ago
Have a look at some of George Hendrik Breitner's photography, which captures Amsterdam as it was in the late 19th Century and the early 1900s.
These Are Literally "Blink and You'll Miss It" Photos
Some photos are just timed so perfectly! They're an absolute joy to behold. Here are 18 awesome "Blink and You'll Miss It" pictures.
Iceland Might Be the Most Breathtaking Place On Earth
Iceland is too beautiful to describe in words. Maybe these photos will do the trick...
15 Rare Construction Photos That Capture History in Action
These are some of the most interesting photos from history.
18 Pieces of Furniture With Entirely Unique Designs
Behold some of the most fascinating designs for furniture we've seen in a while!
These Photographers Truly Love Nature, and It Shows
Bob Badger & Nita Winter have been working together for 27 years as wildflower photographers. Check out the highlights of their beautiful and important work.
Discover How Some Really Famous Photos Were Staged
The images you're about to see are some of the most famous from the 19th and 20th centuries, but they're all fake! Here they are.
Gorgeous: The GDT Nature Photography Awards are Here!
View the 15 most beautiful winning photos taken for the GDT nature photography competition.
When History Comes to Life: 21 Colorized Moments
Enjoy this amazing collection of colorized history photos.
14 Vivid Portraits of Gorgeous Rare Birds
This photographer traveled the globe in the search of the rarest and most gorgeous birds, and here are 14 of his best avian portraits...
The Beauty of Wooden Artistry: 15 Stunning Examples
Check out some of the most impressive handmade woodworking projects.
This Spring in the Gobi Desert Looks Like Abstract Art!
The Devil's Eye is a natural spring that looks more like a figment of an abstract artist’s imagination than a real place on our planet.
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These Buildings Seem to Defy Gravity and Logic
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is nothing compared to these buildings that seem to defy gravity
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See Polonnaruwa - A Magical Medieval City In Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa was the seat of the Sinhalese kingdom that ruled over Sri Lanka between the 11th and 14th centuries. Take a look at this stunning city.
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