Sony International Photography Competition with Prizes Worth up to $25,000
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
The World Photography Organisation, in partnership with Sony, has opened entries for the Sony World Photography Awards 2027, one of the world’s leading international photography competitions, celebrating its 20th edition this year.
The awards are open to photographers from around the world, including amateurs, emerging talents, and professionals. Entries may be captured using any type of device, including cameras and smartphones.
The competition includes several categories that allow participants to compete according to their experience and type of work, with cash prizes of up to USD 25,000, as well as Sony photography equipment, exhibition opportunities in London and international venues, and extensive media and professional exposure.
Competition Categories
Series Competition
Designed for photographic projects and series consisting of 5 to 10 related images.
- Includes 10 different categories.
- One series may be submitted per category.
- Grand prize: USD 25,000.
- The overall winner receives the title of Photographer of the Year.
- The winner also receives a solo exhibition as part of the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London the following year.
Single Image Competition
Dedicated to the best single photograph.
- Participants may submit up to 3 images free of charge.
- Includes 10 categories.
- Grand prize: USD 5,000.
- Winners receive Sony equipment, international exhibition opportunities, and media exposure.
Student Competition
Designed for photography students from around the world.
- Open to students aged 18 to 30 who are enrolled in a photography program.
- The theme for the 2027 edition is Journeys.
- Applicants must submit a series of 5 to 10 images.
- The winner receives Sony photography equipment, while the winner’s educational institution receives Sony equipment worth approximately €30,000.
Youth Competition
Designed for young photographers aged 19 or under.
- Participants may submit up to 3 images free of charge.
- The winner receives Sony photography equipment.
- Benefits also include travel and accommodation to attend the awards ceremony in London, along with exhibition and international promotional opportunities.
Benefits
Depending on the competition category, prizes and benefits may include:
- A USD 25,000 cash prize for the overall winner of the Series Competition.
- A USD 5,000 cash prize for the overall winner of the Single Image Competition.
- Professional photography equipment from Sony Digital Imaging.
- Travel and accommodation to attend the awards ceremony in London for selected winners.
- Exhibition of winning work at the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition in London.
- Opportunities for work to be featured in international touring exhibitions.
- Publication in the competition’s official annual book.
- International media coverage.
- Promotion through the World Photography Organisation’s channels.
- Networking opportunities with experts, institutions, galleries, and publishers in the photography industry.
- The overall Series winner receives a solo exhibition in London the following year.
Eligibility criteria
- The competition is open to photographers from countries around the world.
- Amateur, emerging, and professional photographers may participate.
- Basic entry is free of charge.
- Photographs may be taken using any type of device.
- Specific eligibility requirements vary by competition category.
- The Youth Competition is open to photographers aged 19 or under.
- The Student Competition is open to photography students aged 18 to 30.
- The Single Image Competition is open to photographers generally.
- The Series Competition is open to applicants submitting a photographic series consisting of 5 to 10 images.
Application Deadlines
- Student Competition: The application deadline is November 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM GMT.
- Single Image Competition: The application deadline is January 5, 2027, at 4:00 PM GMT.
- Youth Competition: The application deadline is January 5, 2027, at 4:00 PM GMT.
- Series Competition: The application deadline is January 12, 2027, at 4:00 PM GMT.
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