The Sony World Photography Awards 2026, now in its 19th year, stands as a premier global competition dedicated to opening new pathways and enhancing the careers of photographers worldwide.
Remarkably, entry remains completely free and is accessible to all photographers, regardless of their experience level or the devices they use. The top accolades include a $25,000 prize, participation in the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards exhibitions in London and globally, a dedicated solo exhibition in the following year, cutting-edge Sony Digital Imaging equipment, inclusion in the annual book, and extensive international recognition through press and media coverage, among other benefits.
Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned professional, this competition offers a platform to celebrate your individual creative vision and unique perspective.
The Sony World Photography Awards 2026, is made up of four competitions, with their own categories and deadlines:
Professional Competition, closes 13 January 2026
- Free to enter
- Open to anyone submitting a series of 5 to 10 images per category
- Ten diverse categories to enter
- Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place photographers plus up to 7 shortlisted photographers per category
- One overall winner receives the Photographer of the Year title and is rewarded with a solo presentation of their work as part of the Sony World Photography Awards London exhibition the following year.
Categories:
- Architecture & Design
- Creative
- Documentary Projects
- Environment
- Landscape
- Wildlife & Nature
- Still Life
- Sport
The Professional competition is judged on a body of work. Photographers must submit a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of ten (10) images and all submissions must be accompanied by a series description. Please note that if you enter the Professional competition you cannot enter the Open or Youth competitions.
Open Competition, closes 6 January 2026:
- Free to enter and open to anyone submitting single images taken in 2025
- Enter up to three single images for free
- Ten diverse categories to enter
- Awards for category winners plus up to 15 shortlisted photographers per category
- One overall winner receives the Open Photographer of the Year title
Student Competition, closes 28 November 2025:
- Free to enter for anyone aged from 18 to 30 years-old undertaking a photography programme
- Students answer a set brief with 5 to 10 images
- Up to 10 shortlisted photographers
- One overall winner receives the Student Photographer of the Year title
Category: Together
Togetherness can take many meanings, shapes and forms. It is a subject rich for exploration. Throughout history photographers have looked at life in communities in both the human and the natural world, considering the ways that individuals exist as members of a group.
For this year’s brief, we invite students to explore the theme of togetherness from any angle they choose, looking at the concept in its broadest sense. From intimate stories of camaraderie, to big and small communities working towards shared goals, to places and spaces that bring us together, and patterns of connection in the natural world – we invite you to consider the innate need for sociality in all living beings.
Your images can be taken on any device, shot in any style, and approached from any angle you feel is best. While creative responses are encouraged, photographers must stick to the brief
Youth Competition, closes 6 January 2026:
- Open to photographers aged 19 and under
- Photographers can enter up to three images relating to a theme
- Judges will select a shortlist of up to 10 photographers
- Shortlist compete for Youth Photographer of the Year title
- Overall winner receives Youth Photographer of the Year title and Sony digital imaging kit
Open Call: Show us your best images!
Enter your favourite photographs taken in 2025. Submit up to three of your striking single images from the past year and share them with the judges. All photographic styles, genres and approaches are welcome – enter your top standout images you think will catch the judge’s eye and imagination.
