Sony World Photography Awards - competitions

• Professional competition
• Open Competition
• Youth Competition
• Student Competition

• Architecture & Design The judges are looking for the ability to capture three-dimensional worlds in two dimensions, whilst retaining the original qualities. Subject matter can be wide-ranging from structures and interiors to exteriors and urban landscapes designed with an architectural approach. Key to the project are elements such as light, scale, angles, lines and design features.

  Creative Judges are looking to reward originality, experimentation and imagination. This category actively encourages the creative use of the medium of photography in all its forms, from photograms to cutting-edge photographic techniques. Subject matter can be varied and may include abstract and conceptual ideas, but a creative concept and thematic link between the images is key.

  Documentary Projects The judges want bodies of work that give the facts and information about a chosen subject. This could offer insight into a contemporary issue or clearly present a factual story with a news or current affairs agenda. Image processing is allowed but it is the responsibility of the photographer to not manipulate or enhance the images in such a way that they distort or change the reality of the scene shot.

  Environment Judges are seeking bodies of work that showcase the surrounding or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. Work should be fine art in its approach and address environmental issues affecting the world today.

  Landscape Showing spaces within the world in all their varieties, from large scale aerials to intimate views. Judges will focus on the aesthetic quality of the final images.

  Perspectives This category encourages series that tell a story through a variety of formats and genres - from using a documentary or creative approach to mixing portraiture, landscapes and still life - brought together in an intentional manner and in a cohesive edit with a clear sense of narrative. The judges are looking for bodies of work ranging from well-known stories or everyday moments captured in new angles, to depicting lesser-known subcultures or reimagining local tales, the series should demonstrate a distinct voice and a fascination with the subject.

  Portraiture Judges are looking for interesting, original, strong and evocative photographs, and the category should be interpreted in its widest sense. The resulting images should demonstrate a likeness to the subject and may convey expression, emotion and / or personality.

  Wildlife & Nature Judges are looking for artistic images of our natural, physical or material world. The category should be understood in its widest sense, from flora and fauna to animals and wildlife.

  Still Life Often a group or an arrangement of objects, Still Life typically depicts inanimate subject matters. The approach can be classic or innovative and bold. Judges will closely consider the interpretation of the subject (composition, lighting and framing) when viewing the work.

  Sport Judges are looking for images that capture the intensity, emotions and action of the chosen sport subject. It could be professional or amateur, the focus could be on the sportsperson, the sport environment, the effort expended, the struggle or conflict or the rewards, but a strong narrative must be present.
• Architecture The photographing of buildings or structures, this can be real or an interpretation of a building but the work must have an intended aesthetic.

  Creative A photograph which uses the medium of photography creatively. Technically manipulated images - such as abstract, panoramic, stitched and composite, amongst others - are welcomed.

  Motion Capturing movement within a single, still image.

  Landscape Your view of the physical world. Open wide to interpretation, this category covers landscapes, mountains, glaciers, plants and more.

  Lifestyle Photographs of people in situations or events. The image should tell the story of the person while documenting the scene in an artistic manner. Images are meant to appear natural but can be directed or shot candidly. Editorial, fashion, family and event photography can all overlap with lifestyle.

  Natural World & Wildlife Images of the natural environment and all within it.

  Object Typically depicting inanimate subject matter, often a group or an arrangement of objects devoid of human presence. This can include photography for commercial and advertising purposes but must show the photographer’s artistic approach.

  Portraiture The photographer should clearly show the expression and emotion of the person / group of people being photographed. Normally the subject is aware that the photograph is being taken and there is a relationship between the sitter and the portrait.

  Street Photography An image that records everyday life in a public space.

  Travel Inspiring images from your travels; the journeys may be close to home or further afield.
• Open Call: Show us your best images! Enter your favourite photographs taken in 2024. Submit up to three of your striking single images from the past year and share them with the judges. All photographic styles, genres and approaches are welcome – enter your top standout images you think will catch the judge’s eye and imagination.
• In the Beginning The start of something new can be an exciting prospect and documenting the point in time or space at which something begins has been a popular theme for photography projects throughout time. For this year’s brief, we’re asking students to show through a series of five to 10 images the first part or earliest stage of something. Be it following a new life, sharing the start of someone’s day, following the preparations and beginning of a particular occasion or celebration, or revealing the promise of new technology, the story, approach and photographic style can be in any genre. Your images can be taken on any device, shot in any style – be black & white or colour – and approached from any angle you feel is best. While creative responses are encouraged, photographers must stick to the brief.