Image description
On Lake Titicaca, between Peru and Bolivia, a tranquil floating village stands in stark contrast to the approaching wildfire, a dramatic testament to nature’s dual disposition.
Shortlist
Matthew DeSantis
Baseball in Bhutan
In the Himalayan mountains in one of the world’s most remote countries, Bhutan, a baseball takes flight. Baseball is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in the country.
© Matthew DeSantis, United States, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Nicola Ducati
Untitled
A ‘mudman’ from the Asaro tribe playing with smoke in their village in Papua New Guinea.
© Nicola Ducati, Italy, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Azlan Shah Sahubar Naina Mohamed
Migratory Gulls and Dog
I took this photograph at Yamuna Ghat, India, in winter, having travelled there specifically to watch these migratory gulls flying above the Yamuna river. This friendly dog walked over and sat down as I started composing my photograph and this image emerged.
© Azlan Shah Sahubar Naina Mohamed, Malaysia, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Oscar Manso
Maximum Attention
This photograph was taken in Pamplona, Spain, during the festival of San Fermin. The image was taken exactly two minutes after the launch of the rocket which traditionally announces the start of the festivities. The colour green focuses our gaze on the references: the reporters, the pharmacy clock and the red eliminates them, surrounding those who have lost track of time.
© Oscar Manso, Spain, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Beatrice Wong
Oceanic Tapestry
From the vantage point of Huazhu village in the coastal region of Xiapu, China, you get a mesmerising view of the vast ocean adorned with countless oyster and seaweed farms. These farms resemble ‘oceanic tapestries’, meticulously laid out and stretching as far as the eye can see.
© Beatrice Wong, Hong Kong, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Cziráki Orsolya Boglárka
Perfect Moment
One of the perfect moments from my journey to Jordan.
© Cziráki Orsolya Boglárka, Hungary, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Beatrice Wong
Strokes of Serenity
Captured at the famous ‘S-bend’ in Xiapu, China. Bamboo sticks, used for drying sea kelp, and a fishing boat come together to create a harmonious composition reminiscent of a hand-drawn ink painting. The vertical bamboo strokes transport one to a realm beyond reality; a realm where peace and serenity reign.
© Beatrice Wong, Hong Kong, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Todd Kennedy
Exodus
Exodus! An eight hour vehicular queue as 72,000 participants leave the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada. This is the world’s largest ‘leave no trace’ event, which ends after eight days of heat, dust, rain and mud.
© Todd Kennedy, Australia, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Joy Saha
Fishing
Fishermen use bamboo traps in knee-deep water as they take part in a traditional fishing festival in Pabna, Bangladesh. The festival usually takes place in late winter, when the water of this lowland area starts to dry up.
© Joy Saha, Bangladesh, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
John Seager
Baobab Road
The Allée des Baobabs in Madagascar is probably one of the best places on the planet for viewing the incredible baobab trees. Using a drone, I was able to compose the striking outlines of the baobabs along the road, creating an unforgettable atmosphere in the very last moments of the beautiful sunset.
© John Seager, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Wasiri Gajaman
Tossing the Guns
A military display at the annual desert festival in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.
© Wasiri Gajaman, Sri Lanka, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Alexandre Pietra
Painting of the Soul
I was returning from a visit to the Taj Mahal, where I couldn’t capture the desired light, and was feeling a bit disappointed. However, on my way back I stumbled upon a colourful island. As I approached, I discovered it was an open-air laundry by the Yamuna river, and launched my drone to capture the expanse and artistry it created from the sky.
© Alexandre Pietra, Switzerland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Setsuna Kurouzu
Nagaoka Fireworks
This is a scene from the ‘Phoenix Fireworks’, which lasts for about five minutes and is the highlight of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.
© Setsuna Kurouzu, Japan, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
Tran Tuan Viet
Highest Mountain in the South of Vietnam
With an elevation of 996 metres, Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh is the highest mountain in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. At its summit stands a Bodhisattva statue, which was cast from more than 170 tons of red bronze. At 72 metres tall it is the tallest bronze Buddha statue in Asia to be located on a mountain peak.
© Tran Tuan Viet, Vietnam, Shortlist, Open Competition, Travel, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards