Sony World Photography Awards Youth 2027

The Sony World Photography Awards Youth competition gives young photographers a place in one of the biggest photography awards in the world. It is open to anyone aged 19 and under, anywhere in the world, and entry is free. Each entrant can submit up to three single images responding to the year's theme, and the deadline is 5 January 2027 at 16:00 GMT.

The overall winner receives the title of Youth Competition Winner, Sony digital imaging equipment and a trip to the awards ceremony in London, and their work is shown in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book.

Who Can Enter the Sony World Photography Awards Youth Competition?

Photographers aged 19 and under on the closing date, from any country. You do not need professional equipment: phones and compact cameras are welcome, as long as the images meet the technical requirements. It is particularly relevant to:

• Secondary school and college students
• Young photographers building their first portfolio
• Photography clubs and teachers looking for a project for their students

What Can You Enter?

Up to three single images based on the theme published on the official page. Read the brief carefully: the jury looks for an original, personal response to the theme rather than technical perfection.

Entry Fees

Free to enter.

What Do Winners Receive?

• Youth Competition Winner: the title, Sony digital imaging equipment, flights and accommodation to the ceremony in London, a certificate and a trophy
• Shortlisted photographers (up to nine others) receive some of these prizes, including publication
• Inclusion in the awards book and exhibition, and online promotion
• Global press exposure through the awards' media coverage

Submission Requirements

Enter online through the World Photography Organisation website. Each entrant can submit up to three images for free. Check the full rules for file requirements, editing limits and the consent needed for photographs of people.

Why Enter?

Few international competitions are designed for teenagers, and fewer still are free and connected to an exhibition of this scale. A shortlisting is a meaningful first credential for university applications and portfolios, and the theme is a useful prompt to make new work.

Tips for Young Photographers

Start from the theme, then look for something close to your own life: your neighbourhood, family, school or interests. Personal pictures are often stronger than distant or exotic subjects. Shoot more than you need and edit with care: choose the images that say something, not only the ones that look good. Ask a teacher or friend which picture they remember first; that is often the strongest.

Before submitting, check that your images are sharp at full size, that edits are within the rules, and that you have permission from anyone recognisable in your photographs.

Why the Theme Matters

The Youth competition is judged differently from the adult awards. The jury is not looking for expensive equipment or perfect technique; it is looking for young photographers who see the world in their own way. A clear, personal response to the brief, with a strong idea behind it, usually beats a technically impressive picture that ignores the theme. Use the three images to show different sides of your idea, or choose three that work together as a short sequence.

Things to Consider

• Age: 19 and under on the closing date.
• Up to three images: quality matters more than quantity.
• Follow the theme: read the brief before you shoot.
• Free entry: no fee required.
• Deadline: 5 January 2027 at 16:00 GMT.

Enter the Competition

Ready to enter your photos?

Enter the Youth Competition

For the full rules, theme and entry form, visit the official World Photography Organisation website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: October 28, 2026