Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2026
The Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest is one of the largest free-to-enter US photo contests, with categories spanning Natural World, Travel, People, Americana, Altered Images, and the more permissive Artistic Images. The category-dependent AI policy is unusual: AI is banned in documentary-style categories but permitted in Artistic Images. The 2026 cycle is currently open.
- Deadline
- —
- Entry fee
- Free entry
Authenticity policy
AI policy
Images generated or manipulated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not permitted. The addition and subtraction of objects is not permitted except in the Artistic Images category.
RAW files
Not specified
Editing rules
The Smithsonian rules ban AI-generated and AI-manipulated images across most categories. The 'Artistic Images' category is a deliberate exception: images can be manipulated in any method, either through editing software or other techniques. Judges may move overtly manipulated photos from documentary categories to Artistic Images, or disqualify them.
Verified on June 12, 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Does Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2026 allow AI-generated images?
- Only in a designated category. Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2026 permits AI-generated images solely in a specific AI category; entries in other categories must be camera-made.
- How much does it cost to enter Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2026?
- Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest 2026 is free to enter.
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