Apply for Professional Photography Competition

Categories

• Architecture & Design
  • The judges are looking for the ability to capture three-dimensional worlds in two dimensions, whilst retaining the original qualities. Subject matter can be wide-ranging from structures and interiors to exteriors and urban landscapes designed with an architectural approach. Key to the project are elements such as light, scale, angles, lines and design features.
• Creative
  • Judges are looking to reward originality, experimentation and imagination. This category actively encourages the creative use of the medium of photography in all its forms, from photograms to cutting-edge photographic techniques. Subject matter can be varied and may include abstract and conceptual ideas, but a creative concept and thematic link between the images is key.
• Documentary Projects
  • The judges want bodies of work that give the facts and information about a chosen subject. This could offer insight into a contemporary issue or clearly present a factual story with a news or current affairs agenda. Image processing is allowed but it is the responsibility of the photographer to not manipulate or enhance the images in such a way that they distort or change the reality of the
• Environment
  • Judges are seeking bodies of work that showcase the surrounding or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. Work should be fine art in its approach and address environmental issues affecting the world today.
• Landscape
  • Showing spaces within the world in all their varieties, from large scale aerials to intimate views. Judges will focus on the aesthetic quality of the final images.
• Perspectives
  • This category encourages series that tell a story through a variety of formats and genres – from using a documentary or creative approach to mixing portraiture, landscapes and still life – brought together in an intentional manner and in a cohesive edit with a clear sense of narrative. The judges are looking for bodies of work ranging from well-known stories or everyday moments captured in new angles, to depicting lesser-known subcultures or reimagining local tales, the series should demonstrate a distinct voice and a fascination with the subject.
• Portraiture
  • Judges are looking for interesting, original, strong and evocative photographs, and the category should be interpreted in its widest sense. The resulting images should demonstrate a likeness to the subject and may convey expression, emotion and/or personality.
• Wildlife & Nature
  • Judges are looking for artistic images of the natural, physical or material world. The category should be understood in its widest sense, from flora and fauna to animals and wildlife.
• Still Life
  • Often a group or an arrangement of objects, Still Life typically depicts inanimate subject matters. The approach can be classic or innovative and bold. Judges will closely consider the interpretation of the subject (composition, lighting and framing) when viewing the work.
• Sport
  • Judges are looking for images that capture the intensity, emotions and action of the chosen sport subject. It could be professional or amateur, the focus could be on the sportsperson, the sport environment, the effort expended, the struggle or conflict or the rewards, but a strong narrative must be present.

Prize Information

• Win $25,000 (USD)
• Receive Sony digital imaging equipment
• Flights and accommodation to the awards ceremony in London
• Certificate
• Trophy
• Global press exposure
• Copy of the book
• Inclusion in book
• Inclusion in exhibition
• Promoted on website
• Promoted to online community
• Solo display at London exhibition the following year

Eligibility Criteria

• The Competition is free to enter.
• The Professional competition  is open to all Photographers entering a body of work.
• All Entrants must be over 18.
• Please note that if you enter the Professional competition you cannot enter the Open or Youth competitions.
• Published work may have been taken at any point in history, but must have been first published between the dates of January 1, 2024 and January 10, 2025. Eligible publications include books, magazines, newspapers, websites, social media and exhibitions.
• Un-published work entered into the competition may have been taken at any point in history but never been shown publicly. Once unpublished work has been entered, it cannot be entered again as published work in the future year of the Awards’ competition.
• Images should be no smaller than 1MB and no larger than 5MB. Images should be JPEG files.
• All images must be saved in the sRGB colour model and EXIF data must be left in the image file.
• One overall winner receives the Photographer of the Year title.

For more information, visit World Photography Organisation.