The Sony World Photography Awards, one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world, has once again showcased the incredible talent of photographers from across the globe. This year, the awards celebrated not only the technical skill of the photographers but also the profound stories and emotions captured through their lens. Among the standout images from the past year are those of a female skater in India, a park ranger carefully transporting Congolese crocodiles, and a taxidermist preparing a deceased wolf for display. These images, along with many others, were selected as part of the shortlisted entries and finalists in the competition’s 10 professional categories.
On Tuesday, the World Photography Organisation unveiled the shortlisted entries and finalists for the annual competition. The categories span a wide range of themes, including landscape, still life, sport, and the environment. In each category, the judges selected three finalists and up to seven shortlisted photographers. The competition is fierce, with the ultimate prize being the title of Photographer of the Year, which comes with a $25,000 cash prize and a selection of Sony equipment. The winner will be announced in April, and the 30 finalists will have their work celebrated as part of this prestigious event.
The judges for this year’s competition were impressed by the originality and clarity of vision displayed in the shortlisted and finalist entries. Jury chair Monica Allende highlighted the diversity of perspectives and the powerful narratives that emerged from the photographs. “From narratives of community-building, to explorations of collective memory, to empowering stories of people challenging conventions, these works offer a diversity of perspectives on our moment in history,” she said. The images selected for the competition not only showcase technical excellence but also tell compelling stories that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.
The Sony World Photography Awards have been running for 18 years and have grown to include not only professional categories but also student and youth contests, as well as “open” categories for non-professionals. This year, the competition received almost 420,000 entries across its various categories, demonstrating the widespread passion for photography and the desire to tell stories through images. The awards provide a platform for photographers of all levels to showcase their work and gain recognition on a global scale.
In addition to the professional competition, the Sony World Photography Awards also include a selection of images that will be displayed at Somerset House in London from April 17 to May 5, 2025. This exhibition will give the public the opportunity to see some of the most exceptional photographs from the competition up close and experience the power of visual storytelling firsthand. The exhibition is a celebration of the art of photography and the incredible talent that exists around the world.
Overall, the Sony World Photography Awards continue to be a testament to the power of photography to capture the essence of our world and the human experience. The shortlisted and finalist entries for this year’s competition are a reminder of the incredible stories that can be told through a single image and the impact that these stories can have on those who view them. As the competition moves towards naming the Photographer of the Year, the world eagerly awaits the announcement of the winner and the chance to see more of these extraordinary photographs.
