3.9K
Application Deadline: 13 January 2026, 13:00 (GMT)
Applications are now open for the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards. With its unparalleled reach, the Sony World Photography Awards elevate the careers of photographers to the next level. Since the beginning, the Awards have championed inclusivity and access by being free to enter. Acting as an insight into photography today in all its diversity, the Awards spotlights photographers telling the stories of our time.
Professional Competition
- 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
- Please see ‘Rules’ below for full image eligibility criteria
- Photographer of the Year is rewarded with a solo presentation of their work as part of the Sony World Photography Awards London exhibition the following year
- Deadline is January 13 2026 at 13.00 GMT
Student Competition
- 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
- Deadline for entries is 28 November 2025 at 13:00 (GMT)
Competitions Timeline
- Sony World Photography Awards 2026 open 1 June 2025, 13:00 (BST)
- Student competition closes 28 November 2025, 13:00 (GMT)
- Youth competition closes 6 January 2026, 13:00 (GMT)
- Open competition (including National & Regional Awards and Alpha Female Award) closes 6 January 2026, 13:00 (GMT)
- Professional competition (including Latin America Professional Award, Japan National Award and Sustainability Prize) closes 13 January 2026, 13:00 (GMT)
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Sony World Photography Awards
