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2020 Sony World Photography Awards - competitions

• Professional competition
• Open competition
• Youth competition

• Architecture The judges are looking for the ability to capture three-dimensional worlds in two dimensions, whilst retaining the original qualities. Light, angle and scale are key factors but the subject matter can be wide-ranging.

  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.

  Discovery Purposely not defined by subject matter or photography type, the judges are looking for stunning bodies of work that clearly show the artist's passion for photography. They want to uncover work that would otherwise be unseen. The category embraces all uses of photography and a narrative may or may not be present in the work. However, it is vital that the vision of the photographer is clearly understood by the judges.

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

  Documentary 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.

  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.

  Natural World & Wildlife 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.

  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.

  Still Life Often a group or an arrangement of objects, Still Life typically depicts inanimate subject matters. The approach can be classica or innovative and bold. Judges will closely consider the interpretation of the subject (including 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.

  Culture Consider this category in the widest meaning of the word, this could include: art, sport, traditional customs, history, festivals, local events and / or celebrations.

  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.

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

  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.

  Still Life Typically depicting inanimate subject matter, often a group or an arrangement of objects devoid of human presence. The approach can be classic or innovative and bold.

  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.
• Street photography Judges will reward single images which capture a chance encounter or a random incident within a public place, normally often offering a glimpse into human life.