Image description
On the ash plains of Mount Yasur, on the island of Tanna, Vanuatu, Phillip, an internationally recognised, self-taught volcanologist, stands barefoot atop a volcanic rock bomb. Wearing a lava-protection suit gifted to him by some visiting researchers, the volcano smoulders behind him, sending a plume of gas and sulphur into the sky. Phillip grew up beneath the active volcano, and this portrait captures him in his element.
Shortlist
Kalista Kemp
Man outside the church
As I was travelling Ghana I came across this man sitting outside a church, we got to talking about his life story and his beliefs and dreams.
© Kalista Kemp, South Africa, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Katarzyna Lakocy
Ola and Piotr
This conceptual wedding photograph was styled after old wedding images.
© Katarzyna Lakocy, Poland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Mondo Love
Second Skin
A self-portrait in the style of a painting covered with a protective sheet.
© Mondo Love, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Kamil Hendrych
Solitude
‘In the quiet embrace of the ancient tree, we find the silent presence of those who came before us. Their wisdom is rooted deep within the earth, reminding us that solitude is never loneliness, but communion with our past.’
© Kamil Hendrych, Poland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Shuyang Zhuang
Under the Flag
Manny Young from Syracuse University’s Western Equestrian Team stands in an indoor arena beneath the United States flag. This portrait highlights the strength and tradition of Western horsemanship, capturing a modern rider’s connection to discipline, identity and the enduring spirit of the American West.
© Shuyang Zhuang, China Mainland, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Alejandra Valenzuela
Passion
The delicacy of a body at rest coexists with the power of a hard-earned choice: to choose what one loves, even when the world insists on pointing towards other paths. This portrait speaks of peace and harmony, but also of the courage of women who turn their passion into discipline.
© Alejandra Valenzuela, Chile, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Maria Gutu
Portrait of Dima
Dmitrii, a young film student and musician photographed in Dendrarium Park in Chișinǎu, Republic of Moldova.
© Maria Gutu, Moldova, Republic Of, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Tim Pearse
Fergus
A silver gelatine lith print of Fergus.
© Tim Pearse, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Luis Alejandro Dávila López
La Santísima Tragedia
La Santísima Tragedia (The Holy Tragedy) is a celebration held in Latacunga, Ecuador that is rooted in indigenous, Spanish and African cultures. It combines traditional ceremonies adjusted to incorporate aspects of Christian religious ceremonies introduced by the Spanish Colony. Also known as The Mama Negra, it celebrates the Virgen de la Merced (Virgin of Mercy), who is credited with preventing the eruption of the Cotopaxi volcano in 1742.
© Luis Alejandro Dávila López, Spain, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Jaylon Cooper
A Thousand Words
The photographer explains that this project ‘tells the story of my people’, from both ‘a colour perspective and multicultural aspect as well.’ The flags in the background speak to stories of injustices and remaining triumphant, and the suits worn by the models show unity within culture. The styling of this photoshoot alludes to different important periods and locations within the photographer’s culture and history.
© Jaylon Cooper, United States, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Livier Miroslava Ultreras
Hermanas
This photograph pays homage to the Chicano style, the Virgin Mary and Frida Kahlo’s painting The Two Fridas.
© Livier Miroslava Ultreras, Mexico, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Charlie Clift
Untitled
Actor, writer, director and comedian Stephen Merchant, photographed backstage at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards.
© Charlie Clift, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
Duncan Elliott
Fell
This photograph shows twins Millie and Isobel at Ambleside Sports Show in the Lake District, United Kingdom. It forms part of an ongoing project photographing twins who play with and against each other in sport.
© Duncan Elliott, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Open Competition, Portraiture, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards