Sony World Photography Awards

The Sony World Photography Awards, produced by the World Photography Organisation, are one of the most significant events in the global photography calendar. The awards provide a global voice for photography and offer vital insights into contemporary work today. They provide extensive exposure opportunities for both established and emerging artists.

Entering its 14th year, the awards consist of four competitions:

1. Professional: For photographers entering a body of work or portfolio.
2. Open: For photographers entering a single image.
3. Student: For academic institutions.
4. Youth: For ages 12 to 19.

The competitions cover various categories suitable for all types of photography, including architecture, documentary, landscape, portrait, sport, street photography, wildlife, travel, and culture. New categories for the 2021 awards include "Objects and Lifestyle" in the Open competition and "Portfolio" in the Professional competition. The architecture category in the Professional competition has been expanded to "Architecture and Design."

The awards serve as a global platform for photographers to showcase their work, significantly impacting the careers of winners and shortlisted photographers. The awards also honor the most influential artists in the field with the Outstanding Contribution to Photography award, previously awarded to notable figures such as Mary Ellen Mark and Elliott Erwitt.

The awards feature four main competitions:

1. Professional: Recognizing outstanding bodies of work.
2. Open: Rewarding exceptional single images.
3. Youth: Celebrating the best single images by photographers aged 12 to 19.
4. Student: Providing a platform for photography students globally.

All images are evaluated by industry experts who meet annually in London to award the outstanding works. A total prize fund of USD 60,000, along with the latest Sony digital imaging equipment, is shared among the winning photographers.

The awards offer photographers the chance to gain global recognition for their work, potentially changing their career paths. The democratic approach of the awards ensures that all photographers, regardless of their photographic style, have an equal chance to win and be seen by leading industry experts. Entry to all competitions is free, and the categories are designed to be inclusive of all types of photography and abilities.

Successful photographers can benefit from:

• Inclusion in global and specific international media and marketing campaigns.
• Exhibition at Somerset House, London.
• Potential inclusion in international exhibitions.
• Inclusion in the Sony World Photography Awards book.
• Opportunity to apply for the Sony Grant for personal photography projects.

The World Photography Organisation has a strong online presence and creates dedicated campaigns to provide global exposure for successful photographers in the awards through its social media platforms, emails, and website.