Nine reasons why you should enter the Sony World Photography Awards 2027
We bring you nine reasons why you should enter the 20th edition of the Sony World Photography Awards.
The major international photography competition has been celebrating, rewarding and platforming photographers from around the world for the past 20 years. We’d like to encourage you to take a shot at winning - join us in the 2027 edition and reap the benefits of your success.
1. It's completely free to enter
No entry fees, no hidden costs, just fair, open access for every photographer. Submit five to 10 images per category in the Series competition for free, up to three images into Single Image or Youth, or a full series into Student.
2. Open to every photographer, everywhere
Wherever you're based - Lagos or Los Angeles, Beijing or Brisbane - the Awards welcome your perspective. And it doesn't matter what stage of your career you're at. Enthusiast, emerging talent or established professional: we want to see the world through your lens.
3. Cash prizes to invest in your next chapter
Winners take home $25,000 in the Series competition and $5,000 in Single Image. How you use it is entirely up to you - fund a new project, invest in your career, or simply put it toward what comes next.
4. Top-of-the-line camera equipment
The subject of camera gear is often a hot topic amongst photographers - and the successful entrants receive the top-of-the-line Sony Digital Imaging equipment.
5. Your work exhibited in London and beyond
See your photography on the walls at Somerset House, London, during our flagship exhibition - before it travels the world. Past editions have journeyed to Japan, Italy, New Zealand, Germany and beyond, reaching tens of thousands of visitors.
6. A seat at the Awards night
Join us in central London each April for the black-tie ceremony where the winners are announced, just ahead of the exhibition opening. It's a night for photographers, gallerists, press and industry leaders to connect — and a rare chance to meet your peers face to face.
7. A place in the official book
Each year's award-winning images and series are collected in a limited-edition book. Enter, and your work could be part of it.
8. Press and PR coverage
Past winners have seen their work featured across the world's biggest media outlets, from CNN to the Guardian, Forbes to TIME, Aesthetica to The Times.
9. Doors to publishing deals and gallery representation
Many photographers who enter go on to secure publishing deals, agent representation and gallery opportunities that shape the next stage of their careers.
