Stunning Shortlist for the Sony World Photography Awards 2017 Announced

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Diamond-Dust” by Masayasu Sakuma

As the world's largest photography competition, the Sony World Photography Awards attract both professional and amateur photographers from all over the globe. Showcasing the most remarkable photographs from the previous year, the contest aims to help “shape the careers of its winning, shortlisted and commended photographers,” whose work is honored and recognized at an annual exhibition in London. This year, the World Photography Organisation is excitedly celebrating the 10th edition of the contest, which—if its recently released shortlist is any indication—is one for the books.

Open to all photographers, the World Photo Awards are divided into 4 categories: ProfessionalOpenYouth (for applicants aged 12-19), and Student Focus (for any individuals studying photography). Within these general categories are numerous subcategories, from classic genres, like landscape and still life, to more topical themes, including current affairs and contemporary issues.

As evident in its shortlist, this year's striking submissions are as eclectic, expertly-short, and extraordinary as ever. Some photographs, like Buffaloes and Stars, Diamond-Dust, and Lady in Red highlight the beauty and awe of nature, while others, like Caught in the Crossfire and Inhabitants of the Empty, poignantly expose humanity's heartbreaking reality.

This year, the entries to the Sony World Photography Awards have shown great integrity and are characterized by their considered approach,” Scott Gray, the CEO of the World Photography Organisation, said. “Beautiful works of photographic art, not snapshots, have been presented to the judges and I am delighted to see that our esteemed juries have chosen to reward the pure skill, artistic interpretation and thoughtfulness.” 

To keep up with the contest and count down to its final rounds, be sure to check the World Photography Organisation's website.

Scroll down to see some handpicked highlights from the Sony World Photography Awards 2017 shortlist.

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Buffalos and Stars” by Andreas Hemb

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“A Country Doctor and Her Calling” by Ioana Moldovan

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“Pandas Gone Wild 2” by Ami Vitale

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Inhabitants of the Empty” by Yulia Grigoryants

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Mourning Ceremony” by Emrah Karakoç

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Lady in Red” by Placido Faranda

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Raul Rodrigues Jr” by Giulia Piermartiri & Edoardo Delille

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“We Are Taking No Prisoners” by Alessio Romenzi

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Caught in the Crossfire” by Ivor Prickett

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Present and Past” by Anisleidy Martínez Fonseca

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Moody” by Ann Ric

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Pumping Iron in Russia” by Eduard Korniyenko

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Lonely Tree” by Tom Jacobi

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Georgian Baptism” by Beniamino Pisati

sony world photography awards 2017 world photo organisation world photo awards

“Metropolis” by Tavepong Pratoomwong

World Photography Organisation: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

All images via World Photography Organisation.

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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