The wonders of our world: Breathtaking photos reveal stunning diversity of the planet in the Smithsonian photo contest

15:47 • 27.02.16

There were over 46,000 submissions from photographers in 168 countries.

But the organizers behind the annual Smithsonian photo contest have whittled all those entries down to a selection of just 70, reports the Daily Mail.

The stunning beauty of nature and diversity of the human race is captured in the series of photographs, which are selected from seven categories.

The categories - the Natural World, the American Experience, Travel, People, Altered, Mobile and Sustainable Travel - cover the diversity of our planet and its inhabitants.

Despite the different areas, all the photos manage to evoke a sense of wonder, My Modern Met reported.

The competition, which is open to professional photographers and amateurs alike, relies on public voting for the Readers Choice award.

Voting opened on Monday and will close on March 21. Ballots can be cast on the Smithsonian website.

All the awards—Grand Prize, Readers’ Choice, and seven category winners—will be announced on March 22.

Wondrous: The photo competition is now in its 13th year and allows both professional and amateur photographers to enter. This shot, as part of the Natural World category, was taken by Jennifer Guyton of a frog with a baby frog on its back Cast your vote: Voting opened on Monday and will close on March 21. Ballots can be cast on the Smithsonian website Crowded: The stunning beauty of nature and diversity of the human race is captured in a series of photographs, which are selected from seven categories Wild: This is one of a few thousand images already submitted for the contest, focusing on people, places and nature around the world In nature:These two sub-adult tiger cubs, aged around 21 months, are engaged in a mock fight, a part of their learning process to acquire stalking and self-defense skills. This was taken in India This picture depicts a student from the University of Kwazulu-Natal, named Mandla Mbuyisa, who took part in the #FeesMustFall protest at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa on 23 October 2015 Majestic: Photographers have recorded the world's many wonders and are now submitting their best pictures for consideration Lunch time: This photograph was taken in January 2015 on Lake Kerkini in Greece. The dalmatian pelicans that inhabit that area have grown accustomed to humans since fishermen have fed them for hundreds of years. Their presence helps maintain a balanced ecosystem Eclectic: This image shows the evolution of the Chinese Opera, with modern performances by singers clad in sexy attire intermixed with the traditional opera artists. It was shot in Kuala Lumpur during the festival in August 2015 Cute: The Smithsonian photo editors received hundreds of thousands of photographs from all over the world. They've whittled the selection down to just 70, and winners will be announced next month Stunning: After looking at this year's finalists, readers can vote for their favorite by visiting the Smithsonian website Hard at work: This photo shows a man busy carving a snooker ball into shape. It is up for the competition The stunning beauty of nature and diversity of the human race is captured in a series of photographs that have been submitted for this year’s Smithsonian Annual Photo Contest An Ethiopian shepherd of the Oromia region leads his herd into a narrow gorge. At the end of the path there is a drinking trough for animals, fed by a very deep well. The area is experiencing a terrible drought Turtles that swim together: All the awards—Grand Prize, Readers’ Choice, and seven category winners—will be announced on March 22