The Sony World Photography Awards 2026 opened for entries on June 1, 2025! It offers photographers worldwide a prestigious platform to showcase their work. Organized by the World Photography Organisation, the competition is free to enter and spans four main categories: Professional, Open, Youth, and Student.
Why Participate?
With over 1.5 million images submitted since its inception, the Sony World Photography Awards is one of the most respected photography competitions globally. Winners receive significant exposure, cash prizes, Sony digital imaging equipment, and opportunities to exhibit their work internationally.
Key Deadlines
- Open Competition: Submit up to three single images by January 6, 2026, at 13:00 GMT.
- Professional Competition: Submit a series of 5–10 images with a description by January 13, 2026, at 13:00 GMT.
- Student Competition: Open to photography students aged 18–30; deadline is November 28, 2025, at 13:00 GMT.
- Youth Competition: For photographers aged 12–19; deadline is January 6, 2026, at 13:00 GMT.
Competition Categories
Open Competition: Single images across ten categories, including Architecture, Landscape, Portraiture, and Street Photography.
Professional Competition: Series of images (5–10) across categories like Documentary Projects, Environment, and Creative.
Youth Competition: Monthly themes for young photographers aged 12–19.
Student Competition: For photography students aged 18–30, responding to a set brief with 5–10 images.
Prizes and Recognition
Open Competition:
- Open Photographer of the Year: $5,000, Sony digital imaging equipment, inclusion in the London exhibition and book, and global press exposure.
Professional Competition:
- Photographer of the Year: $25,000, Sony digital imaging equipment, solo exhibition in London, and extensive media coverage.
Student and Youth Competitions:
- Winners receive Sony digital imaging equipment, inclusion in the exhibition and book, and global exposure.
Global Exposure
Winning and shortlisted photographers gain international recognition through exhibitions, publications, and media coverage. The awards ceremony takes place in London, followed by a traveling exhibition showcasing the best work worldwide.
How to Enter
Visit the World Photography Organisation website to submit your entries and find detailed information on each competition!
The Sony World Photography Awards offer a unique opportunity to boost your photography career! Start preparing your submissions today to be part of this global celebration of photography.
MELISSA MARTINSEN 