17 reasons why you should enter!

The Sony World Photography Awards has grown in reach and scope since it started in 2006, with promoting creatives at the core of the programme. To celebrate the 2024 edition now being open for entries, we’ve put together 17 reasons why you should consider submitting your best photographs to this year’s Awards…

1. We thought we’d start with a reason that ensures inclusivity and access to all: free entry. Photographers can enter up to three images for free into the Open or Youth competitions, or a series into the Student competition, OR a series per category into the Professional competition.   
    
2. The prizes available are aimed to give photographers at any skill level career-boosting opportunities. From cash prizes to Sony digital imaging kit to inclusion in a major exhibition and book - make sure you check out the prizes for each competition. 
    
3. All entries to the Awards are judged anonymously by world-class, industry-leading experts to ensure a fair selection process for all. This year’s jury will be announced later this year.
    
4. The Awards promises successful photographers international reach through our dedicated marketing and press campaigns.
    
5. Across its various competitions and initiatives, the Awards rewards photographers from across the globe, with the 2023 edition receiving entries from more than 200 countries and territories.
    
6. Successful photographers are invited to attend the Sony World Photography Awards ceremony and exhibition in London, opening up networking opportunities and the chance to see their work in a major show.
    
7. The Awards programme has evolved beyond the four main competitions with The Alpha Female Award, Latin America Professional Award, Sustainability Prize and National & Regional Awards all championing new ways to engage with photographers across the globe.
    
8. Past winners have gone on to enjoy a variety of successes, including publishing deals, gallery representation and worldwide exhibitions. Check out our Success Stories page to discover more. 
    
9. There are four competitions to suit photographers of all ages and abilities, so you can choose the contest that best fits you. If you’re under 19 years-old and starting out in your photography journey, check out the Youth competition. If you’re currently enrolled in a photography degree at an academic institution, then the Student competition is for you. The Open competition welcomes striking single images and the Professional competition champions the photo project.
    
10. Although entries to the 2023 edition were the highest on record, don’t let that put you off! Increase your chances of winning by submitting more than three images to the Youth and Open competitions by buying an image bundle, find out more here.
     
11. If you’ve entered the Student competition, increase your chances of winning by entering your series into the Professional competition (you can enter the same series).
     
12. Are you considering entering the Professional competition but not sure what photo project to choose? You can submit a different project into each of the 10 categories. 
     
13. Through exposure on the World Photography Organisation social media channels, website and newsletters, photographers benefit from continued support beyond the Awards. If you’ve entered the Awards previously and have a book out, an exhibition opening or some other exciting career news let us know!
     
14. With its long entry period (just over six months) you have time to prepare your submission so it’s as strong as possible.
     
15. Tens of thousands of visitors will see your work in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibitions worldwide.
     
16. Over the past 17 years, we’ve refined the entry process so it’s as smooth and straightforward as possible. If you do have any issues, you can check out our FAQs page.
     
17. Your photographs can be taken on any device - be it a smartphone, pinhole camera or DSLR - check out the Rules for further details.

Enter the Sony World Photography Awards now!