The Sony World Photography Awards is a highly regarded international competition designed to celebrate and recognize the finest contemporary photography. Managed by the World Photography Organisation, the awards are categorized into Professional, Open, Youth, and Student competitions, each catering to photographers at different stages of their careers. The competition draws thousands of entries from photographers around the globe, making it a significant platform for both emerging and established talents to showcase their work. Participants can submit their photos across various genres including Architecture, Landscape, Portraiture, Still Life, and Wildlife & Nature, reflecting the broad spectrum of styles and themes within the field of photography.
In the Professional competition, photographers submit a series of works, while the Open competition focuses on single images. The Youth competition is dedicated to young photographers under 19, and the Student competition provides a platform for photography students worldwide to gain recognition. The 2025 edition has introduced a new category in the Professional competition called "Perspectives," encouraging photographers to tell stories using a mix of formats and genres. Each category is judged by a panel of esteemed experts from the photography industry, ensuring that the evaluation process maintains high standards and integrity.
The awards not only provide significant financial prizes but also offer winners extensive exposure and career advancement opportunities. Winners’ works are displayed in a high-profile exhibition in London and published in a globally distributed book. Additionally, the competition garners considerable media attention, providing photographers with a substantial boost to their professional visibility. The Sony World Photography Awards stands out as a pivotal event in the photographic calendar, driving forward the appreciation and development of photographic culture worldwide.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to all photographers from all around the world.
Prize
Winners of the Sony World Photography Awards 2025 will receive significant recognition and rewards. The overall Photographer of the Year in the professional competition will receive a cash prize of $25,000, along with top Sony digital imaging equipment and a solo exhibition. Winners in the Open competition will receive $5,000 and Sony digital imaging equipment. Additionally, all winners gain global exposure through various promotional activities, publications, and exhibitions organized by the World Photography Organisation, enhancing their professional visibility and career opportunities.
