The Sony World Photography Awards has announced the finalists and shortlisted photographers for the 2025 Professional competition, recognising outstanding photographic series for their compelling narratives and technical excellence.
Now in its 18th year, the competition saw over 419,000 images submitted from more than 200 countries and territories. The winners of the 10 categories will be announced at a special ceremony in London on 16 April, where the Photographer of the Year will also be revealed. The recipient will receive a US$25,000 cash prize, Sony digital imaging equipment, and a solo exhibition at next year’s awards.
For the first time, the competition introduces a new mentorship programme, inviting the 10 category winners to London for a day of industry-led sessions aimed at expanding their professional opportunities.
The Japan Professional Award, a new addition, highlights exceptional work by Japanese photographers. Noriko Hayashi won the inaugural award for Life at the Crossroads: Midwives in Afghanistan, documenting the resilience of Afghan midwives under Taliban rule.
A selection of the finalists’ and shortlisted photographers’ works will be exhibited at Somerset House, London, from April 17 to May 5, 2025, before travelling internationally.
Jury Chair Monica Allende said: “We were so impressed by the strength and variety of the works submitted. These photographers show great originality and clarity of vision, bringing prescient stories to the fore.”
Key Finalists by Category
- Architecture & Design: Andre Tezza (Brazil), Owen Davies (United Kingdom), Ulana Switucha (Canada)
- Creative: Irina Shkoda (Ukraine), Julio Etchart & Holly Birtles (United Kingdom), Rhiannon Adam (United Kingdom)
- Documentary Projects: Alex Bex (France), Florence Goupil (Peru), Toby Binder (Germany)
- Environment: Cristóbal Olivares (Chile), Maria Portaluppi (Ecuador), Nicolás Garrido Huguet (Peru)
- Landscape: Lalo de Almeida (Brazil), Mischa Lluch (Spain), Seido Kino (Japan)
- Perspectives: Giovanni Capriotti (Italy), Laura Pannack (United Kingdom), Valentin Valette (France)
- Portraiture: Gui Christ (Brazil), Raúl Belinchón (Spain), Tom Franks (United Kingdom)
- Sport: Antonio López Díaz (Spain), Chantal Pinzi (Italy), Michael Dunn (Bolivia)
- Still Life: Alessandro Gandolfi (Italy), K M Asad (Bangladesh), Peter Franck (Germany)
- Wildlife & Nature: Kevin Shi (United States), Pascal Beaudenon (France), Zed Nelson (United Kingdom)
The full list of finalists and shortlisted photographers is available on the Sony World Photography Awards website.
