Ten students of photography from universities across the world are recognised in this year’s Student shortlist, as well as 11 photographers aged 19 and under in the Youth shortlist.


STOP © Joel Potter, New Zealand, Shortlist, Student Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2025.

New Zealand photographer, Joel Potter is one of the few Southern Hemisphere photographers to make the 2025 Student Competition shortlist. This image was taken to show that even the people who direct traffic play a significant role in construction. It is one of a series shows the early stages of Auckland’s Future Rail Tāmaki Makaurau project, which will introduce new underground train lines to the city. This project aims to show the importance of the construction workers involved in making it a reality who often go unnoticed, recognising their role in the development, rather than seeing them as ‘interruptions’ in city life. Shot within active construction zones, the colour orange has been emphasised in the photographs to symbolically highlight their significance during the foundation stages of the project.


DJ Broken Down © Joshua Hasanoff, Australia, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2025.

Joshua Hasanoff was the only Australian to make either shortlist. This image, selected in the Youth Competition, shows a person fixing a broken down car which looks like a DJ turntable. Hasanoff took the image in May 2024, inspired by artist Gregory Crewdson to use light to evoke a story.


Aroha na Ihunanya (Love Across Cultures) © Chidima Ugwuedeh, New Zealand, Shortlist, Youth Competition, Sony World Photography Awards 2025.

This gentle portrait by New Zealand photographer, Chidima Ugwuedeh, celebrates Ugwuedeh’s Māori and Igbo heritage, uniting both cultures. Taken in September 2024 in a bush near her home, it features a Māori kākahu and a vibrant African-inspired garment. The photographer carefully planned the scene, creating props to reflect both cultures. Speedlights and an LED panel illuminate the models, highlighting the colours in the frame, and connecting the photographer’s dual identity. The image captures a moment of stillness and natural beauty.

The Student Photographer of the Year and Youth Photographer of the Year to be announced at gala ceremony on 16 April, 2025.