The Sony World Photography Awards is currently accepting entries for its 15th edition. Participation is free.
Source: Sony World Photography Awards. Copyright: © Majid Hojjati, Iran, Winner, Professional, Landscape, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards. Series name: Silent Neighborhoods.
Series description: Our experiences shape who we are. What we encounter today transforms us for tomorrow. Life persists in a constant struggle for survival, with nature as the backdrop. The forces of nature remain constant - ocean waves, storms, the earth itself. Yet, humanity persists, expanding its reach, claiming dominion, demonstrating its resilience. Driven by an innate will to endure, we have sought to live, to conquer, and to dominate, even before we could name ourselves. The pursuit of progress, the relentless desire for more, has left its mark. Homes stand deserted, chairs remain empty, clothing lies unworn, even buttons have vanished. We race towards an unknown future, aware of life’s fleeting nature, leaving behind remnants of our existence as if to declare that we, too, once lived. These are the silent neighborhoods - places devoid of human presence. Their silence is deafening, a stark reminder of what once was.
Organized by the World Photography Organisation, the Sony World Photography Awards recognize and promote the finest contemporary photography from the past year, providing global exposure and opportunities.
Four categories are open for submissions:
- Professional: Exceptional photographic series of five to 10 images across 10 categories.
- Open: Celebrating the world’s best individual images spanning 10 categories.
- Youth: A monthly challenge for young photographers aged 12 to 19, each with a unique theme.
- Student: A platform for emerging talent in photography education.
Additionally, a National Awards program acknowledges and celebrates talented photographers on a regional level.
Winners across all categories (Professional, Open, Youth, and Student) will receive digital imaging equipment from Sony. Furthermore, the prestigious title of Photographer of the Year comes with a cash prize of US$25,000, while the Open Photographer of the Year will receive US$5,000. All winning and shortlisted photographers will have their work showcased at the annual Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition in London, followed by an international tour. Winning images will also be featured in the Awards’ yearbook.
Submission Deadlines:
Professional: January 13, 2022, at 1:00 PM GMT
Open: January 6, 2022, at 1:00 PM GMT
Student: November 30, 2021, at 1:00 PM GMT
Youth: Monthly competitions with varying themes until December 31, 2021
For comprehensive information on competition rules, categories, and to submit your work, please visit: www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards.
To explore the work of the 2021 finalists, visit: https://www.worldphoto.org/2021-professional-competition-finalists-shortlist.