“Diamond-Dust” by Masayasu Sakuma
As the world’s largest photography competition, the Sony World Photography Awards attract both professional and amateur photographers from all over the globe. Showcasing the most remarkable photographs from the previous year, the contest aims to help “shape the careers of its winning, shortlisted and commended photographers,” whose work is honored and recognized at an annual exhibition in London. This year, the World Photography Organisation is excitedly celebrating the 10th edition of the contest, which—if its recently released shortlist is any indication—is one for the books.
Open to all photographers, the World Photo Awards are divided into 4 categories: Professional, Open, Youth (for applicants aged 12-19), and Student Focus (for any individuals studying photography). Within these general categories are numerous subcategories, from classic genres, like landscape and still life, to more topical themes, including current affairs and contemporary issues.
As evident in its shortlist, this year’s striking submissions are as eclectic, expertly-short, and extraordinary as ever. Some photographs, like Buffaloes and Stars, Diamond-Dust, and Lady in Red highlight the beauty and awe of nature, while others, like Caught in the Crossfire and Inhabitants of the Empty, poignantly expose humanity’s heartbreaking reality.
“This year, the entries to the Sony World Photography Awards have shown great integrity and are characterized by their considered approach,” Scott Gray, the CEO of the World Photography Organisation, said. “Beautiful works of photographic art, not snapshots, have been presented to the judges and I am delighted to see that our esteemed juries have chosen to reward the pure skill, artistic interpretation and thoughtfulness.”
To keep up with the contest and count down to its final rounds, be sure to check the World Photography Organisation’s website.
Scroll down to see some handpicked highlights from the Sony World Photography Awards 2017 shortlist.
“Buffalos and Stars” by Andreas Hemb
“A Country Doctor and Her Calling” by Ioana Moldovan
“Pandas Gone Wild 2” by Ami Vitale
“Inhabitants of the Empty” by Yulia Grigoryants
“Mourning Ceremony” by Emrah Karakoç
“Lady in Red” by Placido Faranda
“Raul Rodrigues Jr” by Giulia Piermartiri & Edoardo Delille
“We Are Taking No Prisoners” by Alessio Romenzi
“Caught in the Crossfire” by Ivor Prickett
“Present and Past” by Anisleidy Martínez Fonseca
“Moody” by Ann Ric
“Pumping Iron in Russia” by Eduard Korniyenko
“Lonely Tree” by Tom Jacobi
“Georgian Baptism” by Beniamino Pisati
“Metropolis” by Tavepong Pratoomwong
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