These Photo Contest Finalists Remind Us How Stunning The Natural World Really Is

Smithsonian Magazine announced the finalists of their 12th annual photo contest last week and they are nothing short of spectacular. Photographers in 93 countries submitted more than 26,500 photos. Smithsonian editors chose 10 finalists in six categories -- Natural World, Travel, People, Americana, Altered Images and Mobile. Voting is now open for a people's choice award and Smithsonian will decide a winner from each category along with a single grand prize photograph. Winners will be announced on March 31, the same day that Smithsonian will begin accepting entries for next year's contest. Check out the 10 finalists from the Natural World category below and find the People category finalists here. Be sure to vote for your favorite image at Smithsonian.com.