"The work in this year’s Professional shortlist provoked a lot of debate and interest amongst the jury...It is in some ways a more challenging and contentious year than ever before, which is important for pushing the boundaries of photography and to challenge the perceptions and expectations of the audience."
Mike Trow - Chair, 2019 Professional competition
Today we reveal the 61 photographers shortlisted in the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards Professional competition. Each demonstrating a unique approach, the photographers in this year’s shortlist interpret a variety of subject matter and share powerful stories to expand our appreciation and understanding of the world we live in.
The Professional competition supports artists working across the photographic medium by providing a global platform to showcase their imagery. Focused on advocating outstanding bodies of work, the Professional competition asked artists to submit a series of five to 10 photographs relating to one of ten categories: Architecture, Discovery, Creative, Landscape, Natural World & Wildlife, Portraiture, Still Life, Sport, Brief and Documentary – the latter two new for 2019.
Each series in the shortlist was chosen for the creator’s skill in visual storytelling, strong narrative, technique and creativity, resulting in a collection of captivating stories about the world we live in.
Click here to view the Professional competition shortlist gallery.
Professional category winners are announced April 17 at the Sony World Photography Awards ceremony in London. The Photographer of the Year, also announced at the winners’ ceremony, is chosen from the ten Professional category winners. First, second and third place Professional competition category winners will be printed and exhibited at the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition at Somerset House, London, open April 18 to May 6. The full shortlist will also be displayed digitally.
