On February 28, 2018, the World Photography Organisation announced the shortlist for the 2018 Sony World Photography Awards. The series "Retaking Raqqa" which is shortlisted in the Professional Current Affairs & News category of the Awards was attributed to Turkish photographerUygar Önder Şimşekin error.

"It is a tremendous privilege to be able to present this Award to such an important artist who has broken boundaries in her profession."

"The big consideration for most is Giclée or C-Type printing, and rightly so, as this determines the paper types you can choose, and ultimately the finished result."

"With my photography, I aim to capture moments that subtly promote a mood or a feeling unique to each viewer. I feel this gives the viewer reason to spend more time thinking about the photo..."

Varun Thota is a Product Designer, living and working in Hong Kong. He is shortlisted in the Professional Landscape category of the 2018 Sony World Photography Awards.

PHOTOFAIRS | San Francisco opens for its second edition this week. Featuring 40 leading international and US galleries. The fair opens for the public from 22nd - 23rd February.