Each year takes place the photographic contest of Smithsonian magazine. Among 26,000 participants are chosen 10 finalists in each of these six categories: Natural World, Travel, People, Americana, Altered Images and Mobile. Here is a selection of some of the best shots by the last 50 finalists for the 12th edition.

Photo: Pham Ty

Photo: Nicolas Reusens

Photo: Anthony Smith

Photo: Hoang Long Ly

Photo: Ray Collins

Photo: Eng Siong Yeo

Photo: Ramesh Chandar

Photo: Bhaskar Sur

Photo: Kevin Morgans

Photo: Nhiem Hoang

Photo: Michel Labrecque

Photo: Kristhian Castro

Photo: David Huamani Bedoya

Photo: Libby Zhang

Photo: Frank Miles Richert

Photo: Lorenzo Mittiga

Photo: Az Jackson

Photo: Ellie Davies

Photo: Olivier Douliery

Photo: Anne Marcom