Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of the Sony World Photography Awards. Since its inception, the awards have celebrated powerful visual storytelling while promoting the careers of many photographers across the world.
The 2026 edition offers multiple entry categories, with exciting opportunities for exposure and recognition:
Professionals Competition
Who can apply?
- Free to enter
- Open to all photographers
- Submit a series of 5 to 10 images per category.
Highlights:
- Ten diverse categories to enter
- Awards are given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place photographers in each category.
- Up to 7 photographers shortlisted per category
- One overall winner will receive the Photographer of the Year title
- The overall winner will also be awarded a solo exhibition of their work as part of the Sony World Photography Awards London exhibition.
Deadline: January 13, 2026 at 13.00 GMT
Student Competition
Who can apply?
- Open to students aged 18-30 in a photography programme*
- Free to enter.
- Submit 5 to 10 images in response to a set brief.
Highlights:
- Up to 10 shortlisted photographers
- One overall winner will be named Student Photographer of the Year.
Deadline for entries is November 28, 2025
Submit entries by clicking on the official website.
Applications for the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards are now open, offering several entry categories that provide photographers across the globe opportunities for recognition and career advancement. The Professionals Competition is free to enter and open to all photographers. Participants can submit a series of 5 to 10 images per category, with awards for 1st to 3rd place per category, and up to 7 photographers shortlisted. An overall winner will receive the title of Photographer of the Year and a solo exhibition at the Sony World Photography Awards London. The deadline is January 13, 2026, at 13.00 GMT.
The Student Competition is available to students aged 18-30 enrolled in a photography program. This division also requires the submission of 5 to 10 images in response to a brief and is free to enter. Up to 10 shortlisted photographers will be chosen, and one will be named Student Photographer of the Year. The submission deadline for this category is November 28, 2025. Entries can be submitted through the official website.
