TheSony World Photography Awardsoffers many ways for photographers to have their work noticed.
The organization puts on multiple competitions and has recently announced the winners of its 2025 National and Regional Awards.
Celebrating the diversity of visual storytelling across the globe, this initiative was created to support local photographic communities.
“Paddy Straw” © Syed Mahabubul Kader, Bangladesh, Winner, National AwardsA group of workers unloads paddy straw from a truck. The rice straw is a by-product of farming that is used for a variety of purposes, including as cattle feed and fuel.
Our planet is vast and diverse, and the winning images highlight this wonderful fact.
With 56 countries included in the 2025 competition, the selected photographs are like a trip around the world.
Local culture is one theme covered, with the lauded photographers capturing intriguing scenes in their respective countries.
“Spider-Verse” © Wan Yong Chong, Malaysia, Winner, National AwardsIn this photograph, a group of freedivers skilfully defy gravity, suspended upside down beneath a boat in clear water. Their silhouettes create a mesmerising scene that is reminiscent of the ‘Spider-Verse’; their forms seem to dance in harmony with the underwater world, blending the artistry of human movement with the fluidity of aquatic life.
While some are at play, others are at work.
Each image, no matter its content, offers another thread in the rich tapestry of human culture.
Scroll down to see a selection of the winners.
“Children in the Mountains” © Yaping Du, China Mainland, 2nd Place, National AwardsThis image depicts the carefree life of children in the mountains.
Then, check out theentire galleryon the Sony World Photography Awards website.
The Sony World Photography Awards recently announced the winners of its 2025 National and Regional Awards.
The black-and-white image conveys a sense of solitude and contemplation.
“Untitled” © Elena Georgiou, Cyprus, Shortlist, Regional AwardsA lone figure stands beside a white chair, next to a dramatically windswept tree on a cliff edge, gazing out over the sea. The black-and-white image conveys a sense of solitude and contemplation.
Later in the winter, the stream freezes and becomes completely invisible against the white field.
Legend has it that the stream was created by the movement of an ancient snake-like beast.
The series explores themes of connection, vulnerability and the enduring power of companionship.
“(In)visible Path” © Sanja Vrzić, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Shortlist, Regional AwardsWhen the first snow of the year falls it reveals the intricate path of this mountain stream. Later in the winter, the stream freezes and becomes completely invisible against the white field. Legend has it that the stream was created by the movement of an ancient snake-like beast.
Toji Train Station Mohammed Muhtasib, Saudi Arabia, Winner, National AwardsToji train station in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The station is bustling with people returning from jamaah prayer, reflecting community and faith.
Our planet is vast and diverse, and the winning images highlight this wonderful fact.
“Into the Bay” © Kiyoshi Hijiki, Thailand, Winner, National AwardsAn aerial shot follows a boat as it cruises into Thailand’s beautiful Phang Nga Bay.
It reflects urban identities through upcycled outfits that are inspired by sustainable fashion trends.
Moonrise in Tuscany Slobodan Blagojevic, Serbia, Shortlist, Regional AwardsThis image was taken in Montepulciano, Italy.
This decisive moment was captured during their Fire Fall dance, which lit up the eyes of the audience.
“Tender Look” © Carlos Espinosa, Ecuador, Shortlist, Latin America Regional AwardsThis baby Balinese monkey resting on its mother’s lap was photographed in Ubud, Bali. The moment of tranquillity and tenderness invites us to reflect on how similar humans and animals are when we get close enough to see beyond their gaze.
This small bird holds a special place in the Egyptian environment, symbolising vibrant nature and beauty.
The photographer waited for four hours in the direct sun, to capture this moment.
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“Eternal Passengers” © Nsikanabasi Effiong, Nigeria, Winner, National AwardsThis image is part of a series that captures the intimate journey of a couple navigating the complexities of love and life together. The series explores themes of connection, vulnerability and the enduring power of companionship. Each frame reflects the delicate balance of individuality and unity, as the couple weave their shared narrative against the backdrop of time and circumstance.
“Toji Train Station” © Mohammed Muhtasib, Saudi Arabia, Winner, National AwardsToji train station in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The station is bustling with people returning from jama’ah prayer, reflecting community and faith.
“Pensioners Table Tennis Club” © Rahsan Firtina, Turkey, Winner, National AwardsA club in Hanoi, Vietnam, where retired soldiers play table tennis and card games.
“Weekend Adventures” © Attila Domokos, Hungary, Shortlist, Regional AwardsMother and daughter escape to nature for a weekend of adventures.
“A Comet Hits the Earth” © KunPeng Zhu, China Mainland, 3rd Place, National AwardsComet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) over the Badain Jaran Desert in Inner Mongolia, China.
“Vortex” © Pedro Jarque Krebs, Peru, 2nd Place, Latin America Regional AwardsThe fascinating tail of a chameleon – a master of camouflage – reflects the complexity and beauty found in every corner of nature.
“El Norte (The North)” © Lucero Mora Ardila, Mexico, 1st Place, Latin America Regional AwardsEl Norte is a fashion editorial set in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and was produced in collaboration with stylist Dina Elizabeth. It reflects urban identities through upcycled outfits that are inspired by sustainable fashion trends. The artist, whose family has worked in the market area since her birth, explores how this environment shapes identity and everyday narratives in public spaces.
“Full of Empty Hearts” © Mubina Fayzullaeva, Uzbekistan, Winner, National AwardsA young passerby walks through the secluded streets of Tashkent, his hands busy carrying the weight of empty hearts on a gloomy summer morning.
“Páramo de Sumapaz: An Ancestral Portal” © Kevin Molano, Colombia, 3rd Place, Latin America Regional AwardsUnder the starry sky of the Sumapaz Páramo in Colombia, a luminous door rises as a symbolic portal to Pachamama (Mother Earth). For the indigenous peoples who once inhabited it, this sacred place was the setting for long walks and rituals where tributes were offered to Mother Earth. The light, drawn in the darkness, evokes the spiritual and ancestral connection that still lives in this mystical landscape, reminding us of the bond between humanity and nature.
“Moonrise in Tuscany” © Slobodan Blagojeviċ, Serbia, Shortlist, Regional AwardsThis image was taken in Montepulciano, Italy.
“Soaring Flames” © Chen De-Huang, Taiwan, Winner, National AwardsThe world-famous Coming True Fire Group put on a free performance of their Firemosa tour for a group of local children. This decisive moment was captured during their Fire Fall dance, which lit up the eyes of the audience.
“Untitled” © Ahmed Abdallah, Egypt, Winner, National AwardsThe Abu Al-Fasad bird is known for its elegance and graceful movements. This small bird holds a special place in the Egyptian environment, symbolising vibrant nature and beauty. Photographed at Dahab Island, Giza, this image reveals the intricate details of the bird in flight against a natural backdrop. The photographer waited for four hours in the direct sun, to capture this moment.
