Professional shortlist and finalists

The photo series can be the start of an exhibition, book, or editorial feature. It’s the ideal format to explore an idea, a narrative approach or a technique’s creative potential. Rooted in a photographer’s development, the photo series is at the heart of the Sony World Photography Awards. Whether it’s a long-term project, an assignment piece or a personal body of work, all types of series are celebrated in the Professional competition. 

With more than 80 series making it to this stage of the competition, we select some of our favourite projects that stood out for narrative excellence, technical skill and creative exploration. Andres Gallardo Albajar’s graphic presentation of the Spanish apartment complex Muralla Roja is one of our top picks in the Architecture & Design category. Shot at different times of the day and year, the images reinforce the graphic and abstract excellence of the building. From a postmodern masterpiece to abandoned livestock shelters, Servaas Van Belle’s Stal – Vernacular Animal Sheds was also a standout series for its muted colour palette and quiet beauty.      

 

Spectacular series in the Wildlife & Nature category encapsulate the beauty of our natural world, as clearly shown in Martin Broen’s Mobula Ray Fever. Shooting from above and below the sea’s surface, he captures the energy of the annual mobula ray migration in Baja California. Another series we want to look at again and again is Corey Arnold’s Cities Gone Wild, which shows us how three species of wild animals – black bears, coyotes and raccoons – are adapting to increased urbanisation in America. 

The 10 category winners, chosen from the finalist series, will be announced on 13 April at a black-tie ceremony in London. The category winners are then in the running for the Photographer of the Year title, a coveted prize awarding the recipient $25,000, a range of impressive camera kit plus a solo show at the following year’s Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London.  

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