All images entered to Student competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2020. Credit in order of sequence: © Chip Skingley, UK; Amy Davis, South Africa; Ioanna Sakellaraki, Greece; Reyad Abedin, Bangladesh; Arantza Sánchez Reyes, Mexico; Reyad Abedin, Bangladesh
We are delighted to reveal the work of the ten photographers shortlisted in this year's Student competition. Aiming to discover emerging talent in photography, and to embrace these young people to enrich and further the medium, the Student competition is open to academic institutions worldwide.
SEE SHORTLISTED PHOTO PROJECTS HERE
Entrants were first asked to submit a body of work responding to the topic ‘Invisible Lines’. The world we live in is structured around invisible lines. We asked the students to show the stories of those fighting to break down those social constructs through a positive approach.
Ten shortlisted students were then chosen and given a second and final brief: to submit five to ten images relating to the theme ‘Sustainability Now’. We challenged the shortlisted photographers to show us a story connected to environmental sustainability. They needed to consider how people are trying to stop the emission of greenhouse gases, combat the problems of deforestation, toxic air pollution, loss of insects and wildlife or the acidification of oceans. Deciding whose story they wanted to tell – be it from the perspective of the government, societies or individuals playing their part to preserve our wonderful planet – students could use any device and shoot their work in any style that best suit them.
Alongside global exposure, the Student Photographer of the Year is awarded €30,000 of Sony digital imaging kit for their institution. All shortlisted students receive Sony digital imaging kit and have their series responding to the second brief printed in the Sony World Photography Awards 2020 book.
Keeping the competition’s focus of supporting developing talent in mind, shortlisted photographers will be flown to London to receive individual portfolio reviews and the opportunity to see their work exhibited at Somerset House. They'll also attend the Sony World Photography Awards ceremony alongside other successful photographers in the Professional, Open and Youth competitions.
With universities from around the world enrolling their students – this year's competition saw entries from countries as far afield as India, South Africa and Mexico – the Student competition was set up to empower the next generation of photographers about to embark on their career.
This year's judge was Tim Clark, curator, writer and editor–in–chief, 1000 Words.
