Some Stunning Photographs,

from around the world,

 these are just a few from the 70 finalists for the Smithsonian 14th annual photo contest,

 the contest is open to all, this year Smithsonian received some 48,000 submissions from photographers in 146 countries and territories, 

 and is currently accepting votes for their Readers’ Choice award from which they selected finalists in 7 categories: Natural World, The American Experience, Travel, People, Altered Images, Mobile, and Sustainable Travel, 

 I have posted just a few,

 but you can see the rest and cast your vote if you wish on their website.