Photographers are invited to submit images for the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards, which are free-to-enter and open to all photographers at all stages of their careers.
Image: © Hira Punjabi, India, Shortlist, Open Competition, Natural World & Wildlife, 2025 Sony World Photography Awards.
Now in their 19th year, the Awards continue to open doors to new opportunities for photographers worldwide. The awards are completely free-to-enter and open to all photographers shooting on any devices and at all stages of their careers. Top prizes include $25,000, inclusion in the Sony World Photography Awards London and global exhibitions, a solo display the following year, top Sony Digital Imaging equipment, inclusion in the book, worldwide recognition through press and media coverage.
Entries will be judged according to four categories:
– The Professional competition rewards the best photography series worldwide. Submissions can consist of five to 10 images in up to 10 categories (one series per category). The major prize is US$25,000 plus a solo show, Sony Digital Imaging equipment and a career development day.
– The Open competition rewards striking standalone shots that tell a story in a single image. There are 10 categories in this competition, including wildlife, street, architecture and action. The major prize is US$5,000, top Sony Digital Imaging equipment, inclusion in the Sony World Photography Awards London and global exhibitions and global recognition through press and media coverage.
– The Student competition celebrates series created by photography students worldwide, with prizes consisting of Sony Digital Imaging equipment plus inclusion in the London exhibition and in the annual book. The theme for this year is ‘Together’.
– The Youth competition rewards the best single images captured by aspiring photographers worldwide who are 19 years-old and under.
Click here for full details of the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards.
