One of the world’s most prestigious photography competitions returns with free entry, international exposure, major prizes, and opportunities for photographers at every stage of their careers.
2 June 2026
Open Call:
Entries are now open for the Sony World Photography Awards 2027, inviting photographers from around the world to submit work across its Professional, Open, Student, and Youth competitions. The awards are free to enter and welcome a wide range of photographic styles, genres, and approaches.
Institutional Context:
Produced by Creo under its photography strand, the World Photography Organisation, the Sony World Photography Awards has been running since 2007 and is widely regarded as one of the leading international photography competitions. The programme celebrates both established and emerging photographers, providing global visibility, exhibition opportunities, and professional recognition.
Eligibility and Criteria:
The awards are open to photographers worldwide. The competition is structured across four categories:
- Professional Competition for bodies of work presented as a series
- Open Competition for single images
- Student Competition for students enrolled in photography programmes
- Youth Competition for photographers aged 19 and under
Images may be captured using any camera or device, and photographers are encouraged to respond creatively within the competition guidelines.
Evaluation Process:
Entries are reviewed by an international panel of photography professionals and industry experts. Winning and shortlisted photographers are selected across multiple categories, with overall winners chosen from category winners. The awards have attracted more than 430,000 submissions from over 200 countries and territories in recent editions, highlighting the programme’s international reach and visibility.
Practical Information:
The Sony World Photography Awards offers a range of benefits, including cash prizes, Sony Digital Imaging equipment, international media exposure, publication opportunities, and inclusion in major exhibitions. Previous winners have exhibited at Somerset House, London, with selected exhibitions touring internationally. Top awards include up to US$25,000 for the Photographer of the Year.
Submission deadlines vary according to competition category:
- Student Competition: 28 November 2026
- Open Competition: 6 January 2027
- Youth Competition: 6 January 2027
- Professional Competition: 13 January 2027
Full category details and submission requirements are available on the World Photography Organisation website.
Applications and Queries:
Applications must be submitted online via the Sony World Photography Awards platform. Photographers can access category information, competition rules, deadlines, and submission guidelines through the World Photography Organisation website.
