5. Sony World Photography Awards
This is one big, international, inclusive photo competition. There are Pro, Open, Student and Youth entry options, and categories ranging from current affairs and contemporary issues to still-life and lifestyle. The Open competition is sorted by nationality, which picks out the best single image taken by a local photographer in over 50 countries. All genres of photojournalism are welcomed, which makes for an interesting mix between fine-art and commercial approaches.
As well as being free to enter, there’s a huge cash gift of $25,000 (£20,000) to the photo that’s crowned the best. Winners and finalists also get global exposure of their work – the exhibition starts at London’s Somerset House, and there’s a travelling version that makes its way around the world. If you miss the January 2017 deadlines for the awards, fear not: the 2018 competition will open for entries in June.
Judge’s comment “I want to be blown away by seeing an image that immediately invokes an emotional response.”
Russ O’Connell
Winner's tip: Julien Mauve, 2016
“The content is more important than the form. Reach memories and let people use their imagination in front of a picture. Create a story based on your own personal experience.”
Prizes
The professional award fund is $25,000, while the open competition is $5,000. There’s also Sony imaging equipment on offer for the winners of each category.
More info
Visit: www.worldphoto.org
Entry date: Open now
Closing date: Youth & Open, 5th January; Professional, 10th January
Entry fee: Free to enter
