With its unparalleled reach, the Sony World Photography Awards elevate the careers of photographers to the next level. Since the beginning, the Awards have championed inclusivity and access by being free to enter. Acting as an insight into photography today in all its diversity, the Awards spotlights photographers telling the stories of our time.
The Sony World Photography Awards 2026 will open on 1 June 2025.
Stay tuned by following our social media channels.
Professional competition
Enter your best photo series - you could win $25,000, a solo exhibition, a range of top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
Open competition
Enter your best single images - you could win $5,000, a range of top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
Student competition
Provides a platform for photography students worldwide - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
Youth competition
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
Timeline
Competitions Timeline
- Sony World Photography Awards 2025 open 1 June 2024, 13:00 (BST)
- Student competition closes 29 November 2024, 13:00 (GMT)
- Youth competition closes 3 January 2025, 13:00 (GMT)
- Open competition (including National & Regional Awards and Alpha Female Award) closes 3 January 2025, 13:00 (GMT)
- Professional competition (including Latin America Professional Award and Sustainability Prize) closes 10 January 2025, 13:00 (GMT)
Announcements Timeline
- Student & Youth Shortlist announcement: January 2025
- National & Regional Awards announcement: February 2025
- Exhibition tickets go on sale: February 2025
- Professional Finalists and Shortlist announcement: February 2025
- Open Competition Winners and Shortlist announcement: March 2025
- Overall Winners announcement: April 2025
Sony’s commitment
The objective of the Sony World Photography Awards is to establish a platform for the continuous development of photographic culture. The Awards do this by recognising great contributions to photography in the past through the Outstanding Contribution to Photography prize as well as finding new talents of the future and providing them with the opportunity to be promoted and exhibited around the world. Sony is committed to photographic culture by extending their relationship with individual winners beyond the Awards to develop the individuals’ careers.
