SONY World Photography Awards Open for Global Entries (2013 Edition)

The annual photography event, the Sony World Photography Award (SWPA), is now open for entries until January 4, 2013 (the professional competition until January 9). The categories open to amateurs or professionals include the amateur “Open,” “Youth Award,” and “3D Award,” as well as the “Professional Competition.”

The Open is suited to amateurs and photography enthusiasts, the Youth Award to entrants under 19, the 3D Award to entrants using true 3D technology in photography and video, and the Professional Competition to senior photographers who are working to build professional recognition or who are already renowned in the industry.

Sony says that the Sony World Photography Award, sponsored by Sony, can be described as a benchmark for excellent imagery and the Oscars of the photography world. Some people, having been shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Award, were inspired with the motivation to keep traveling everywhere in pursuit of their photography dreams; some had their work gain international attention through these awards and be published in many of the world’s most important photography magazines; and some were even discovered by the world’s best photography companies and photographers.

All competition works will be judged anonymously by the most prestigious photography experts from around the world in the World Photographic Academy. Finalists will be announced in February 2013, and the awards ceremony will be held in London in April.

Winners can receive up to US$25,000 in prize money and prizes such as Sony’s latest digital imaging equipment. Shortlisted works will be exhibited from April to May at London’s most magnificent Somerset House, and the World Photography Organization (WPO) will also publish the winning works on its official website, in international exhibitions, and in the Sony World Photography Awards collection.

Those planning to enter the competition must first register as a member of the World Photography Organization (WPO). Free participants may submit only 3 works; there are also plans such as Advanced membership (€14.95/year) for submitting 8 works and Premium membership (€49.95/year) for 20 works. Although the euro has been plummeting in value recently, I believe it is a good time to join as a member while you’re at it (laughs)—though everyone’s wallets have shrunk considerably lately, so I imagine you’ll still think it over a bit.