Sony World Photography Awards - competitions

• Professional Competition

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  Architecture & Design

  Architecture & Design

  The judges are looking for the ability to capture the design and functionality of built structures. Subject matter can be wide-ranging, from building exteriors and interiors to urban and rural landscapes shaped by architecture. Key to the project are elements such as light, scale, angles, lines and design features.

  

  Creative

  Creative

  Judges are looking to reward originality, experimentation and imagination. This category actively encourages the creative use of the medium of photography in all its forms, from photograms to cutting-edge photographic techniques. Subject matter can be varied and may include abstract and conceptual ideas, but a creative concept and thematic link between the images is key.

  

  Documentary Projects

  Documentary Projects

  The judges are looking for bodies of work that offer deeper insight and exploration into a chosen subject. Projects should weave a visual narrative that is informative and original, and reflects the realities of the topic.

  

  Environment

  Environment

  Judges are seeking bodies of work that tell the stories of our planet, and the people, animals and plants that inhabit it. Projects in this category should address the challenges facing our planet today, as well as the efforts taken to protect and conserve it.

  

  Landscape

  Landscape

  This category welcomes series that showcase spaces and terrains across the world in all their variety, from large-scale aerials to intimate views. Judges will focus on the project’s ability to tell a timely and compelling story through this classic genre. Creative approaches to landscape photography are welcome in this category.

  

  Perspectives

  Perspectives

  This category encourages series that tell a story through a variety of formats and genres - from using a documentary or creative approach to mixing portraiture, landscapes and still life - brought together in an intentional manner and in a cohesive edit with a clear sense of narrative. The judges are looking for bodies of work ranging from well-known stories or everyday moments captured in new angles, to depicting lesser-known subcultures or reimagining local tales, the series should demonstrate a distinct voice and a fascination with the subject.

  

  Portraiture

  Portraiture

  Judges are looking for interesting, original, strong and evocative photographs, and the category should be interpreted in its widest sense. The resulting images should demonstrate a likeness to the subject and may convey expression, emotion and / or personality.

  

  Sport

  Sport

  Judges are looking for images that capture the intensity, emotions and action of the chosen sport subject. It could be professional or amateur, the focus could be on the sportsperson, the sport environment, the effort expended, the struggle or conflict or the rewards, but a strong narrative must be present.

  

  Still Life

  Still Life

  Often a group or an arrangement of objects, Still Life typically depicts inanimate subject matters. The approach can be classic or innovative and bold. Judges will closely consider the interpretation of the subject (composition, lighting and framing) when viewing the work.

  

  Wildlife & Nature

  Wildlife & Nature

  Judges are looking for artistic images of the natural world. The category should be understood in its widest sense, celebrating the diversity of life on our planet, from plants and animals, to the fungi and microorganisms that live in our ecosystems.