2015 Sony World Photography Awards – Call for Entries
- All the contests are free to enter.
- Open to photographers of all ages and skill levels.
- There are no cash alternatives available for prize winners.
- Winners will be announced online.
- There will be a month-long exhibition of the winners and finalists, comprising of hundreds of photographs expertly curated inside the historic London landmark, Somerset House.
This video presents 2104 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition – Interview with Curator.
- Sony interviewed the Curator of the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition, Michael Benson about the 2014 show.
The Competitions:
Professional Competition – for serious photographers. Entry Close: 08/01/2015
Entries must be submitted by 11.59:59pm (GMT) on Thursday 8th January 2015.
- All entrants must be over 18.
- Published work may have been taken at any point in history, but must have been commissioned or acquired or first published between the dates of January 1st and December 31st 2014.
- Un-published work entered into the competition must have been taken between the dates of January 1st and December 31st 2014. Once unpublished work has been entered, it cannot be entered again as published work in the future year of the awards competition.
There are 15 categories.
- A shortlist of photographers in each of the 15 categories will be selected and announced prior to the Gala Ceremony. This will include details of the 3 finalists in each category.
- For the final stage of judging, one single photographer will be chosen by the Honorary Judging Committee from the 15 category winners. This photographer will be announced and awarded at the Sony World Photography Awards gala ceremony in April 2015 as the L’Iris d’Or / Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year winner.
- All 45 category finalists will be showcased as part of the official 2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition in London, published in the winners book and announced to the worldwide press. These finalists will also be part of international Sony World Photography Awards winners exhibitions, have the opportunity to be represented by the World Photography Collection, showcased on the World Photography Organisation website and much more.
Winner of the “L’iris d’Or” will receive:
- Title of “Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of The Year“,
- $25,000,
- Membership to the “World Photography Academy”,
- Exhibition showcase of entire winning series at the Sony World Photography Awards 2015 exhibition and winners book,
- International exposure on the WPO website,
- Global media coverage,
- Flights to London, 2 nights accommodation in a hotel and VIP tickets to attend the Sony World Photography Awards gala ceremony on 23 April 2015,
- Digital SLR camera equipment from Sony.
Winners of each individual category will receive:
- Recipient of the title “Sony World Photography Awards Professional category name Winner“,
- Flights to London, 2 nights accommodation in a hotel and VIP tickets to attend the Sony World Photography Awards gala ceremony in April 2015,
- Winning images showcased in the London exhibition and the winners book,
- International exposure in the winners galleries on the WPO website,
- Global media coverage,
- Digital SLR camera equipment from Sony.
Finalists of each individual category will receive:
- Images showcased as part of the official Sony World Photography Awards 2015 exhibition in London,
- Images published in the winners book,
- Announced to international press,
- International exposure in the winners galleries on the WPO website.
Please note once you enter the Professional competition you will not be able to enter the Open Competition or Youth Award.
WPO recognises You, the author of the image, retain full ownership of the copyright in each Entry.
All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used by WPO, and its Event Partners, for marketing and promotional purposes of the event only, for a maximum of three years after the awards ceremony in April 2015. You hereby grant WPO a non-exclusive, irrevocable licence in each Entry throughout the world for three years in all media for any use connected to the promotion of the SWPA event and/or competition, including, but not limited too:
(a) judging the Competition
(b) displaying the winning entries and runners up at public exhibitions promoting WPO and organised by WPO
(c) inclusion within the Website, a World Photography Awards book, magazine or similar
(d) inclusion within any materials promoting of the Competition and / or any exhibition organised by WPO, in the promotion of the WPO
(e) inclusion on Competition- and exhibition-related products to be sold by the WPO or any third party following the individual agreement by the author
(f) sub-licencing the Entries to the press for reproduction in connection with the Competition and any exhibition
(g) allowing viewers of the Website to view images on a computer screen, PDA or mobile telephone and store such pages in electronic form on disk or on a PDA or mobile telephone (but not on any server or other storage device connected to a network) for their personal, non-commercial use only. Please also refer to clause 9.You agree to participate in related publicity and to the use of Your name and likeness for the purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity without additional compensation.
Open Competition – for amateurs and enthusiasts. Entry Close:05/01/2015
Entries must be submitted by 11.59:59pm (GMT) on Monday 5th January 2015.
- Photographers of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels are invited to enter this competition where great imagery is everything, and creativity is the key ingredient!
The Open Competition is open to all members of the public.
- If you are under 16, you have Your parent’s or legal guardian’s consent to participate in the Competition.
- If WPO does not receive a valid signed parental or legal guardian consent form for any winner under the age of 16 within 7 clear days of the contestant being declared a winner (excluding the day on which such declaration is made by WPO) WPO will be entitled to select an alternative winner from among the contestants.
Images must be taken in 2014 and entries should be based on the Categories outlined, information on which can be found on the Website.
The Open Competition offers 10 diverse categories for you to enter, ranging from Action to Travel.
- The 10 shortlisted images in each category will be announced prior to the Gala Ceremony in April 2015.
- The 10 Category Winners will be announced prior to the Gala Ceremony in April 2015.
- The overall winner will be selected from the 10 Category Winners by the 2015 Honorary Judging Committee, and will be announced as Sony World Photography Awards Open Photographer of The Year at the Sony World Photography Awards 2015 gala ceremony.
Winner of the best overall photograph will receive:
- Title of “Sony World Photography Awards Open Photographer of The Year”,
- $5,000,
- Winning image showcased in the London exhibition and the winners book,
- International exposure on the WPO website,
- Global media coverage,
- Flights to London, 2 nights accommodation in a hotel and VIP tickets to attend the Sony World Photography Awards gala ceremony in April 2015,
- Digital SLR camera equipment from Sony.
Winners of each individual category will receive:
- Title of “Sony World Photography Awards category name Winner“,
- Winning image showcased in the London exhibition and the winners book,
- International exposure on the WPO website,
- Global media coverage,
- Digital SLR camera equipment from Sony.
WPO recognises you, the author of the image, retain full ownership of the copyright in each Entry.
All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used by WPO, and its Event Partners, for marketing and promotional purposes of the event only, for a maximum of three years after the awards ceremony date in April 2015. You hereby grant WPO a non-exclusive, irrevocable licence in each Entry throughout the world for three years in all media for any use connected to the promotion of the SWPA event and/or competition, including, but not limited too:
(a) judging the Competition
(b) displaying the winning entries and runners up at public exhibitions promoting WPO and organised by WPO
(c) inclusion within the Website, a World Photography Awards book, magazine or similar
(d) inclusion within any materials promoting of the Competition and / or any exhibition organised by WPO, in the promotion of the WPO
(e) inclusion on Competition- and exhibition-related products to be sold by the WPO or any third party following the individual agreement by the author
(f) sub-licencing the Entries to the press for reproduction in connection with the Competition and any exhibition
(g) allowing viewers of the Website and/or SWPA Application to view images on a computer screen, PDA or mobile telephone and store such pages in electronic form on disk or on a PDA or mobile telephone (but not on any server or other storage device connected to a network) for their personal, non-commercial use only. Please also refer to clause 9.
(h) incorporation by WPO and SWPA Event Partners in SWPA Galleries and or SWPA Gallery Applications on Event Partner devices for a period of three (3) years after the applicable award ceremony date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, You hereby acknowledge and agree if Your image is included in such SWPA Galleries or SWPA Gallery Applications Your image will remain perpetually in the device royalty free.You agree to participate in related publicity and to the use of Your name and likeness for the purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity without additional compensation.
Youth Award – for anyone aged 19 and under. Entry Close: 05/01/2015
Entries must be submitted by 11.59:59pm (GMT) on Monday 5th January 2015.
Entrants must be aged 19 and under on the competition closing date.
- If you are under 16, You have Your parent’s or legal guardian’s consent to participate in the Competition.
- If WPO does not receive a valid signed parental or legal guardian consent form for any winner under the age of 16 within 7 clear days of the contestant being declared a winner (excluding the day on which such declaration is made by WPO) WPO will be entitled to select an alternative winner from among the contestants.
We are searching for the next generation of talented young photographers in this competition, open to anyone 19 and under.
Whether you are studying photography in school or college, or just have a passion for taking photographs of your daily life, enter this competition for the chance to become the Sony World Photography Awards, Youth Award Winner.
There are three great categories available to enter that will allow you to illustrate your blossoming photographic talent; Culture, Environment and Portraits.
Images must be taken in 2014 and entries should be based on the Categories outlined, information on which can be found on the Website.
The three categories are Culture, Environment and Portraits.
- The 10 shortlisted images in each category will be announced prior to the Gala Ceremony in April 2015.
- The 10 Category Winners will be announced prior to the Gala Ceremony in April 2015.
- The overall winner will be selected from the 3 Category Winners by the 2015 Young Talent Jury, and will be announced as Sony World Photography Awards Youth Award Winner at the Sony World Photography Awards 2015 gala ceremony.
Winner of the best overall photograph will receive:
- Title of “Sony World Photography Awards Youth Award Winner”,
- Winning image showcased in the London exhibition and the winners book,
- International exposure on the WPO website,
- Global media coverage,
- Flights to London, 2 nights accommodation in a hotel and VIP tickets to attend the Sony World Photography Awards gala ceremony in April 2015,
- Digital SLR camera equipment from Sony.
Winners of each individual category will receive:
- Title of “Sony World Photography Awards Youth Award category name Winner“,
- Winning image showcased in the London exhibition and the winners book,
- International exposure on the WPO website,
- Global media coverage,
- Digital SLR camera equipment from Sony.
Please note, once you have entered the Youth competition you will not be able to enter the Open or Professional competitions.
WPO recognizes you, the author of the image, retain full ownership of the copyright in each Entry.
All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used by WPO, and its Event Partners, for marketing and promotional purposes of the event only, for a maximum of three years after the awards ceremony in April 2015. You hereby grant WPO a non-exclusive, irrevocable licence in each Entry throughout the world for three years in all media for any use connected to the promotion of the SWPA event and/or competition, including, but not limited too:
(a) judging the Competition
(b) displaying the winning entries and runners up at public exhibitions promoting WPO and organised by WPO
(c) inclusion within the Website, a World Photography Awards book, magazine or similar
(d) inclusion within any materials promoting of the Competition and / or any exhibition organised by WPO, in the promotion of the WPO
(e) inclusion on Competition- and exhibition-related products to be sold by the WPO or any third party following the individual agreement by the author
(f) sub-licencing the Entries to the press for reproduction in connection with the Competition and any exhibition
(g) allowing viewers of the Website and/or Application to view images on a computer screen, PDA or mobile telephone and store such pages in electronic form on disk or on a PDA or mobile telephone (but not on any server or other storage device connected to a network) for their personal, non-commercial use only. Please also refer to clause 9.
(h) incorporation by WPO and SWPA Event Partners in SWPA Galleries and or SWPA Gallery Applications on Event Partner devices for a period of three (3) years after the applicable award ceremony date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, You hereby acknowledge and agree if Your image is included in such SWPA Galleries or SWPA Gallery Applications Your image will remain perpetually in the device royalty free.
Global Encounters by Celebrity Cruises – “Stories”
Entries must be submitted by 11.59:59pm (GMT) on 27 November 2014.
Whether exploring the history along the Mediterranean, the mountainous peaks of Northern Europe or the vast cultural diversity across Asia, travelling is the perfect breeding ground for passion and narrative. We’re asking you to encapsulate your experience in the Mediterranean, North Europe, Alaska, South America and the Caribbean in a series of 3-10 images for the chance to win a 7 night cruise in Alaska. (to add link to the particular cruise)
The prize is a 7 night cruise in Alaska in May/June 2015.
- Prize for two people not inclusive of flights.
- Please click here for more info about the cruise.
The three categories are Mediterranean, North Europe, Alaska.
Every month WPO, Celebrity Cruises and Ben Fogle, Celebrity Cruises’ Destination Expert will choose the best 50 images of the selected monthly destination.
- The shortlist of 300 images will then be judged in December 2014.
- The overall winner of the competition will be announced in mid December 2014.
Images can be taken at any time in history.
Each series of images submitted by an entrant will be judged together as a single entry on the basis of quality, originality, artistic impression and compliance with the artistic brief by a panel of judges.
WPO staff, RCL Cruises Ltd t/a Celebrity Cruises staff and at least one independent judge will convene to evaluate entries made during that calendar month and pick an overall winner. Winner will be contacted by the Monday 8 December 2014.
Each entrant shall submit a minimum of 3 images and a maximum of 10 per category. Judging will be based on the series of images, not on the single image.
WPO and Celebrity recognise you, the author of the image, retain full ownership of the copyright in each Entry.
All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used by WPO, and Celebrity for marketing and promotional purposes of Global Encounters only, for a maximum of three years after the closing of the competition. Global Encounters is a photography competition and campaign launched by Celebrity Cruises and WPO in July 2014 to capture the essence of destinations the ships travel to and inspire future travellers through striking photography.
You hereby grant WPO and Celebrity a non-exclusive, royalty free and irrevocable licence in each Entry throughout the world for three years in all media for any use connected to the promotion of the Global Encounters including, but not limited to:
(a) judging the Contest
(b) displaying the winning entries and runners up at public exhibitions promoting WPO and organised by WPO
(c) inclusion within the Website, Application, a book, magazine or similar
(d) inclusion within any materials promoting of the Competition including display advertising, website, ATL, OOH (including exhibitions), trade marketing, brochures, direct mail,PR and social media(e) inclusion within any Celebrity Cruises materials (including display advertising, website, ATL, OOH (including exhibitions), trade marketing, brochures, direct mail,PR and social media) promoting the destinations that the cruise line sails to. Every image must always include the name of the photographer and Global Encounters credit
(f) inclusion on Contest- and exhibition-related products to be sold by the WPO or any third party following the individual agreement by the author
(g) sub-licencing the Entries to the press for reproduction in connection with the Contest and any exhibition
(h) allowing viewers of the Website and or Applications to view images on a computer screen, PDA or mobile telephone and store such pages in electronic form on disk or on a PDA or mobile telephone (but not on any server or other storage device connected to a network) for their personal, non-commercial use only. Please also refer to clause 9.(i) incorporation by WPO and Celebrity in Contest Galleries and or Contest Gallery Applications on Event Partner devices for a period of three (3) years after the applicable award ceremony date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, You hereby acknowledge and agree if Your image is included in such Contest Galleries and or Contest Gallery Applications Your image will remain perpetually in the device royalty free.
You agree to participate in related publicity and to the use of Your name and likeness for the purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity without additional compensation.
Global Encounters by Celebrity Cruises – “Snapshots”
Entries must be submitted by 11.59:59pm (GMT) by the 14th of every calendar month until the 31st January 2015.
- While children under the age of 18 may enter this competition, a parent or legal guardian must make the entry on a child’s behalf and in doing so accept responsibility for compliance with these terms on its own account (see section 4,4 for further details).
Whilst exploring the Mediterranean, Northern Europe or Alaska, the personal experiences and photographic opportunities are unbeatable. The faces you encounter along the way, the geographical or architectural beauty within your itinerary or the moment that will forever stand within your memories – we want to see it all. Capture the essence of your encounters in a single image.
Enter a maximum of 3 images to support your destination.
The Contest roll to the middle of each calendar month (one winner per calendar month).
- A monthly winner will be selected by a judging panel.
- One lucky entrant will win a A5000 Sony Compact Camera each month from September – January.
- In January 2014, the panel will select one overall winner to win a 2 night B&B stay for two in a Central London hotel and tickets to an exhibition to see their artwork showcased.
- Please click here for more info about the prizes.
WPO and Celebrity recognise you, the author of the image, retain full ownership of the copyright in each Entry.
All entrants understand that any image submitted to the competition may be used by WPO, and Celebrity for marketing and promotional purposes of Global Encounters only, for a maximum of three years after the closing of the competition. Global Encounters is a photography competition and campaign launched by Celebrity Cruises and WPO in July 2014 to capture the essence of destinations the ships travel to and inspire future travellers through striking photography. You hereby grant WPO and Celebrity a non-exclusive, royalty free and irrevocable licence in each Entry throughout the world for three years in all media for any use connected to the promotion of the Contest event and/or contest, including, but not limited to:
(a) judging the Contest
(b) displaying the winning entries and runners up at public exhibitions promoting WPO and organised by WPO
(c) inclusion within the Website, Application, a book, magazine or similar
(d) inclusion within any materials promoting of the Competition including display advertising, website, ATL, OOH (including exhibitions), trade marketing brochures, direct mail, PR and social me(e) inclusion within any Celebrity Cruises materials (including display advertising, website, ATL, OOH (including exhibitions), trade marketing, brochures, direct mail, PR and social media) promoting the destinations that the cruise line sails to. Every image must always include the name of the photographer and Global Encounters credit
(f) inclusion on Contest- and exhibition-related products to be sold by the WPO or any third party following the individual agreement by the author
(g) sub-licencing the Entries to the press for reproduction in connection with the Contest and any exhibition
(h) allowing viewers of the Website and or Applications to view images on a computer screen, PDA or mobile telephone and store such pages in electronic form on disk or on a PDA or mobile telephone (but not on any server or other storage device connected to a network) for their personal, non-commercial use only. Please also refer to clause 9.(i) incorporation by WPO and Celebrity in Contest Galleries and or Contest Gallery Applications on Event Partner devices for a period of three (3) years after the applicable award ceremony date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, You hereby acknowledge and agree if Your image is included in such Contest Galleries and or Contest Gallery Applications Your image will remain perpetually in the device royalty free.
You agree to participate in related publicity and to the use of Your name and likeness for the purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity without additional compensation.
