*“New Orleans’ first Gay Pride Parade was held in 1980, and the tradition continues today.“*

Well, it turns out I’ve been in the Smithsonian Magazine’s photo contest a lot more times than I knew.

I’m up to dozens of photos now going back several years, and I’ve started to lose count. So I thought I’d add a few here to share what I’ve been up to.

From people to places, artists to architecture, I’ve been curated into their showcase with images from around the world and across cultures.

These Pride images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest help capture the vibrant parades and festivals around the world. Since 1999, June has been formally designated as Pride Month in the United States, a time to remember the struggles of the LGBTQ community and celebrate the advances they’ve made throughout the years. “For generations, LGBTQI+ Americans have summoned the courage to live authentically and proudly—even when it meant putting their lives and livelihoods at risk,” President Joe Biden remarked when recognizing Pride Month. “This month, we recommit to realizing the promise of America for all Americans.”

The lead image above was their choice to head the online article; you can find it here along with pride photos from other photographers.

This hippo images is one of many from my time at the Honolulu Zoo, where I have been an intermittent Artist in Residence over the years. With all-access permission, I’ve been fortunate to roam the park and get behind-the-scenes footage of the exhibits, the events, the creatures and the culture.

The Smithsonian Magazine featured this image in their Natural World section, and I am grateful to be a repeat artist in their hallowed pages - even if they’re digital now.

Please enjoy some other featured photos below: