The Open competition rewards the best single images - ones that tell a story in a single frame - shot by photographers worldwide.
The winner receives $5,000, Sony Digital Imaging equipment, inclusion in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London's Somerset House, and promotion via the World Photography Organisation's channels.
Image: © Chukwudebelu Ojekwe, Nigeria, Shortlist, Open Competition, Creative, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
We spoke with the winner of the 2025 Documentary Projects category about his long-term series documenting young people in Northern Ireland.
We caught up with the Spanish photographer about his powerful project that grew out of a period of personal struggle.
We spoke with the French photographer about his shortlisted series documenting skateboarding communities in Ukraine.
What are wildlife photographers capturing? Discover the images shortlisted in the Natural World & Wildlife category.
Get priority access to tickets for an Artist Talk with Joel Meyerowitz and his display at the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 exhibition in London.
Image: © Joel Meyerowitz
Get priority access to tickets for the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 exhibition returning to Somerset House, London this April.
Image: © 2025 Sony World Photography Awards exhibition
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