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Sony World Photography Awards - competitions

• Professional competition
• Open 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.

  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.

  Portfolio This category is dedicated to images that aren’t related to each other in subject matter or narrative, but where the quality of the image and the photographer’s technical skills are evident and consistent throughout the submission. Images must be taken in the last three years, with a minimum number of 5 images from 2021.

  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.
• Connections Recently we’ve had to think differently about how we connect in more ways than we could have imagined. Around the globe we’ve embraced a modern evolution of communication, giving us a fresh perspective on connecting. It’s also been a time to reflect on making new relationships while sustaining the old ones as well as reconnecting with our surroundings. How do you connect with your surroundings or local environment? How do you create bonds with your family, friends and colleagues? How do you nurture and develop these links to ensure they endure for years to come? Be it connecting virtually or in real life, show us in five to 10 images how you, or someone you document, interacts with the world. 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, it’s key to stick to the brief.