Imagination and a few beautiful images help move people to all corners of the world. With the click of a button, viewers can live vicariously through the lens as they witness a New York City flash mob of Halloween revelers as captured by one street photographer or the stunning architecture that illuminates much of Berlin’s skyline. Or gaze at the rolling purple and green hills of the Czech Republic’s countryside or nature at its scariest with razor-sharp blue and white icicles popping up out of a Japanese pond.
These images and more, some of 2017’s finest, are showcased in this year’s Sony World Photography Awards, a collaboration between Sony and the World Photography Organization, one of photography’s most prestigious recognitions. Submissions, 227,596 images to be exact, rich with color and composition and all telling a unique story, came from top photo talent in 183 countries around the world.
The awards, now in their 10th year, are divided into four categories, including open, professional, youth, and student focus, each with various sub-categories, such as contemporary issues, travel, portraits, and still life.
Photographers from 49 countries made the shortlist of potential winners. The final selection of overall winners, who take home cash prizes and new digital equipment, will be announced April 20. Both winning and shortlisted images will be on display at the Somerset House in London from April 21 to May 7.
See some of the best photos below:
(l) Tim Cornbill, United Kingdom-1st Place, Open, Architecture; (r) Mark L. Vicente, Philippines, 1st Place, National Awards
See more at Sony’s site.
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