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2018 Sony World Photography Awards - Categories

• 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.

  Contemporary Issues The judges are looking for a series that offers an insight into a specific social, global or economic issue or a specific person, group of people, demographic, religion or culture. Photographers should be immersed in the subject matter. The images and accompanying text should clearly highlight the point you are raising in the body of work. Unlike Current Affairs & News, the photographer drives the narrative.

  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.

  Current Affairs & News Judges are looking for a body of work that documents a specific, factual story with a news or current affairs agenda of either local or global concern. The work does not need to raise awareness of a cause and, unlike Contemporary Issues, the photographer need not be the driver of the narrative. 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.

  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.

  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 (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.

  Enhanced A photograph which has been technically manipulated. This could include abstract, panoramic, stitched and composite images, amongst others.

  Motion Capturing movement within a single, still image.

  Landscape & Nature Your view of the physical world. Open wide to interpretation, this category covers landscapes, mountains, glaciers, plants and more. Please note this category does not include wildlife imagery.

  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.

  Wildlife This category typically focuses on animals that are undomesticated and shot within their natural environment.
• Your environment The judges want to view the world as seen through the eyes of young photographers. In one single image show the judges your environment. The brief should be understood in its widest sense. “Your environment” could be a photograph sharing your culture or religious celebration, highlighting of an issue close to home, a special family moment or a beautiful landscape of your surroundings.