Merciless blows, curiosity and the desire to live — pictures of the best photographers in the world from the Smithsonian Institution magazine (Photo)

The Smithsonian Institute magazine, one of the most popular US publications, has identified the finalists for the annual photography contest. The award will traditionally be held in six categories: “Wildlife”, “People”, “Travel”, “American Experience”, “Modified Images”, as well as “Pictures taken on a mobile phone”.

This year, more than 36 thousand applications from 145 countries entered the competition. 60 entries reached the final, of which, after an open online vote, the winners would be selected. See the best works of the photo contest in the OXO gallery.

The Smithsonian Institution is a research and educational institute in the United States and its complex of museums. It was founded on August 10, 1846 by an act of the US Congress. Officially considered a government agency, funded by the US government, private donors, and also through publishing and commercial activities (mainly the production of educational and educational games, programs, videos, souvenirs).