The Smithsonian Magazine Nature & Travel Photography Contest is one of the world’s most prestigious competitions. Every year the team receives thousands of submissions from snappers all over the world – this year they had “over 46,000 submissions from photographers in 168 countries and territories”.
They then face the unenviable task of whittling them down to 70 finalists across seven categories. This year the photos are divided into The American Experience, The Natural World, Travel, Sustainable Travel, People, Altered Images and Mobile.
“This year they had over 46,000 submissions from photographers in 168 countries and territories”
We’ve picked a few of our favourites from across the categories here to give you a flavour of what’s on offer. For the full list of finalists and to vote for the Reader’s Choice award head to Smithsonian.com before 21st March. The winners will be announced on 22nd.