The Sony World Photography Awards has announced the shortlists for its 2026 Student and Youth competitions, celebrating emerging talent in photography. The prestigious awards recognize 10 photography students from leading universities worldwide and 10 photographers aged 19 and under, showcasing the next generation of visual storytellers.
The 19th edition of the competition received over 430,000 entries from more than 200 countries and territories, demonstrating the global reach and influence of the awards program.
Student Competition Highlights Creative Interpretations of “Together”
For the 2026 Student competition, photography students were invited to respond to the theme “Together” through a series of five to 10 images. The shortlisted projects offer diverse interpretations, from intimate explorations of personal communities to documentation of shared spaces where human connections flourish.
Notable entries include Julian Cabral’s autobiographical project “Triplets” from Argentina, which tells the story of the photographer and his two brothers. Jubair Ahmed Arnob from Bangladesh captured the rapidly changing landscape of Green Model Town in Dhaka, while Ci Song documented communities in West Philadelphia affected by gentrification.
Teresa Halbreiter from Germany explored femininity and individuality within the male-dominated German Armed Forces, and Laura Anna Rossa from Belgium documented her friendship with a resident at a long-term psychiatric ward.
Youth Competition Showcases Natural World and Motion
The Youth competition shortlist features single images by 10 photographers aged 19 and under, submitted through an open call. The selected works capture serene images of the natural world, from mountainous landscapes to underwater scenes.
Riley Shickle from the United Kingdom photographed Mount Fuji framed by bright red autumn leaves, while Abdallah Islam from Egypt captured the Great Pyramid through a triangular sculpture. Doğa Ergün from Türkiye created a stunning symmetrical image of a horse and rider entering the sea.
Other shortlisted photographers focused on depicting motion and stillness. Ayden Feagle from the United States captured teamwork during a soccer match, while Philip Kangas from Sweden photographed firefighters collaborating during an emergency at Stockholm’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
Sony World Photography Awards Recognition and Prizes
The Student Photographer of the Year and Youth Photographer of the Year will be announced on April 16, 2026, at a prestigious gala ceremony in London. The winning university will receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment worth €30,000, while the Youth winner will receive a range of Sony equipment to continue developing their creative vision.
This year’s Student Competition shortlist was judged by Tess Raimbeau, Photo Editor at Libération, France. The Youth shortlist was selected by Ruby Rees-Sheridan, Assistant Curator of Photography at the National Portrait Gallery, UK.
Future Outlook for Emerging Photography Talent
The Sony World Photography Awards continues to provide world-class opportunities for exposure and recognition to both established and emerging artists. The awards showcase winning and shortlisted works at an annual exhibition at Somerset House in London, attracting tens of thousands of visitors worldwide.
The competition remains free to enter and serves as a vital platform for contemporary photography, offering glimpses into the future of visual storytelling through the eyes of young practitioners who are exploring and experimenting with the medium.