Unlock Your Path to Success in the Sony World Photography Awards!

Photography contests play a crucial role in a photographer’s professional development. Those who excel in these awards find their creations receiving international recognition through media and press exposure, have their works showcased globally, and create relationships with fellow artists and industry experts who can assist in advancing their careers. Additionally, the remarkable prizes awarded to the victors include $25,000 and Sony imaging equipment.

To support your success in this iteration of the Sony World Photography Awards, we have compiled eight practical suggestions that will maximize your entry’s likelihood of winning.

Don’t let the opportunity pass you by – the Open and Youth contests conclude on January 3 at 13:00 GMT, while the Professional contest closes on January 10 at 13:00 GMT.
 

• Acquaint yourself with the three competitions that are currently accepting submissions and determine which aligns best with your photography style.

  If you capture striking individual images, the Open competition is perfect for you. You can submit up to 3 photos at no cost.

  Conversely, if you possess a series of photographs, the Professional competition might be your ideal option. Remember, you don’t need to be a working professional to participate – all that’s necessary is a cohesive series of images, such as 5-10 captivating landscapes that complement each other. You can submit one photo project per category for free.

  If you are 19 years old or younger, the Youth competition is your best opportunity for success. You can submit up to 3 images for free.
   

• Have a collection of images that narrates a tale across various genres, such as combining portraiture with still life? This year, the Perspectives category in the Professional competition was designed specifically for such projects. A fantastic chance for photographers who don’t limit themselves to a single genre.
  
• Ensure your images are in JPG format, saved with a quality of 10 or higher, set to sRGB color mode, and sized between 1-5MB.
  
• No watermarks, please! Otherwise, your impressive photo will be automatically disqualified.
  
• Curious about what the judges evaluate in each category? The category descriptions for both the Open and Professional competitions are excellent resources for discovering that information.
  
• Review the guidelines for each contest – they do vary! For instance, in the Open competition, your image must be captured in 2024. In the Professional competition, your images cannot be published prior to 2024.
  
• Avoid procrastinating with your submissions—plan early and take your time! The Open and Youth competitions will end on January 3rd at 13:00 (GMT), while the Professional competition will remain open until January 10th at 13:00 (GMT).
  
• Remember that striving for perfection isn’t beneficial in the long haul – while you should guarantee that your entry adheres to all the guidelines, don’t overlook that this chance arises just once a year. An image submitted is better than an image squandered – and as the competitions are completely free, you truly have nothing to lose.