Sony World Photography Awards 2027 – Win a $5,000 Cash Prize
Applicant criteria
- NationalityNo specific nationality required
- AgeNo specific age required
- GenderBoth
Opportunity criteria
- Opportunity FieldPhotography and Filmmaking , Others
- Deadline2027-01-04
Opportunity description
The Sony World Photography Awards 2027 Single Image competition is a free photography contest for members of the public submitting standalone photographs taken in 2026. Entrants can compete across ten categories for prizes that include $5,000 for the overall winner, Sony Digital Imaging equipment, and international media exposure. The deadline is 5 January 2027 at 16:00 GMT.
About the Single Image Photography Competition
The competition celebrates individual photographs rather than photo series. Its ten categories are Animal Portraits, Architecture, Creative, Landscape, Lifestyle, Motion, Natural World & Wildlife, Portraiture, Street Photography, and Travel. Judges look for clear photographs with strong composition and creativity. Entrants should consider the description of their chosen category when submitting.
Each participant may submit up to three images free of charge. Those images can be entered into different categories or all placed in one category. Participants who want to submit more than three images can buy image bundles and submit as many photographs as they like. The competition page says further information about bundles is available in the entrant’s account. Entrants may also enter the Series competition, but work submitted to both competitions must come from different bodies of work.
Images must have been taken in 2026 and be JPEG files between 1MB and 5MB, saved in the sRGB colour model. A photograph may have been entered in another competition, won an award, or been published in books, magazines, newspapers, online or print editorials, self-published websites, or gallery exhibitions between 1 January 2026 and 5 January 2027. Images must be uploaded through the World Photography Organisation website or an official Sony World Photography Awards website, following the on-screen instructions.
Judging takes place from 6 to 31 January 2027. Up to fifteen photographers per category may be shortlisted, and category winners are selected. Shortlisted photographers and category winners are expected to be announced before April 2027; the overall winner will be announced in April 2027. Judges vote for the category winners and the overall winner, who will also be announced online and at a black-tie ceremony in London. Shortlisted and winning photographers are contacted by email. A shortlisted entrant may be disqualified if unable to supply a high-resolution image of at least 5MB and 300ppi.
Photographers interested in other awards can browse photography competitions and awards or explore other opportunities for youth.
Who Should Apply
This contest is open to all members of the public with a single photograph that fits one of the ten categories. Entrants must be the sole owner and author of each image and have the right to submit it. They are responsible for permissions relating to people, props, archival material, and any applicable drone use. Participants under 16 need consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Key Highlights
- Free entry for up to three images; image bundles are available for additional entries.
- Ten categories spanning subjects such as architecture, wildlife, portraits, and travel.
- Entries must be photographs taken in 2026 and meet the stated file requirements.
- Deadline: 5 January 2027 at 16:00 GMT.
- The overall winner receives $5,000, and the awards ceremony takes place in London.
Benefits
- The overall winner receives $5,000 USD.
- Sony Digital Imaging equipment is awarded to the overall winner and category winners.
- Flights and accommodation to the awards ceremony in London are provided to the overall winner.
- Certificates are awarded to category winners and shortlisted photographers; certificates may be digital depending on position.
- The overall winner receives a trophy.
- Global press exposure is provided to the overall winner, category winners, and shortlisted photographers.
- The overall winner receives a copy of the book; category winners and shortlisted photographers have their work included in the book.
- Category winners and shortlisted photographers may have their images included in an exhibition, digitally on screens or in print.
- The overall winner, category winners, and shortlisted photographers are promoted on the World Photography Organisation website and to its online community.
Eligibility criteria
- The competition is open to all members of the public.
- Submitted images must have been taken in 2026.
- Each entrant may submit up to three images free of charge. Images may be entered in different categories or in one category.
- Images must be JPEG files, no smaller than 1MB and no larger than 5MB, and saved in the sRGB colour model.
- The entrant must be the sole owner and author of each entry and have the right to submit it. Entrants must use their correct names; pseudonyms are not accepted.
- Image manipulation is permitted, but its extent must be described in the image description. The entry must originate as an analogue or digital photograph; computer-generated content cannot be the source. The entrant may be asked to provide the original photograph and image file for verification.
- Entries must not contain personally identifiable information about the entrant or another person, prohibited or abusive material, commercial content promoting a product or service other than that of the World Photography Organisation, or screen credits.
- Entries must not infringe copyright, trademarks, intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights. Entrants must obtain permission from each person depicted and permission from owners for any costumes, props, or other materials used.
- Archival images may be used in new work if all required permissions are obtained and their use is stated in the description.
- Drone use must comply with the laws, rules, and permissions of the country where the image was taken. Proof of permissions may be requested.
- No animals may be harmed, manipulated, or distressed in making the image. This includes deliberately provoking animals, using live bait, or using flash photography on nocturnal birds.
- Entrants under 16 must have parental or legal guardian consent. A winner under 16 must provide a valid signed consent form within seven clear days of being declared a winner, or an alternative winner may be selected.
- A shortlisted entrant may be disqualified if unable to supply a high-resolution image of at least 5MB and 300ppi.
Ready to apply?
Sony World Photography Awards 2027 – Win a $5,000 Cash Prize