Zed Nelson has been crowned Photographer of the Year at the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards 2025, with his impactful series The Anthropocene Illusion. The British photographer’s project, which spans six years and four continents, delves into humanity’s complex relationship with the natural world, examining artificial environments designed to simulate nature.

Nelson was awarded a US$25,000 cash prize and Sony digital imaging equipment, along with the opportunity to showcase an additional body of work at the 2026 exhibition. He commented on the recognition, stating, “I’m very honoured for my work to be recognised… we have become masters of a stage-managed, artificial ‘experience’ of nature.”

Additionally, Susan Meiselas was honoured with the 2025 Outstanding Contribution to Photography award, with over 60 of her images on display at Somerset House. The awards also announced the winners of the 10 Professional categories, including Architecture & Design (Ulana Switucha), Creative (Rhiannon Adam), Documentary Projects (Toby Binder), and Portraiture (Gui Christ), among others.

The exhibition, featuring over 300 prints and numerous digital displays, is open to the public at Somerset House from April 17 to May 5 2025.