The 2025 Sony World Photography Awards: A Celebration of Visionary Photography
- Stylnova Fashion
- Apr 20
- 5 min read
Sony World Photography Awards
The 2025 Sony World Photography Awards has once again showcased the power of photography to narrate compelling stories, spark conversations, and evoke emotions. From human-environment relationships to personal journeys, the award highlights a wide range of photographic talents that go beyond aesthetics. Let’s take a deep dive into the winners and their remarkable projects.
Photographer of the Year: Zed Nelson – "The Anthropocene Illusion"
Zed Nelson was crowned Photographer of the Year for his gripping project titled "The Anthropocene Illusion". This collection explores the fractured relationship between humans and the natural world. Nelson takes us into the heart of the Anthropocene, the current epoch defined by human impact on Earth. His images reveal the tension between humanity’s desire to connect with nature and the ongoing environmental degradation caused by industrial growth.
The powerful imagery in this series highlights constructed environments—man-made "nature"—that reflect the growing disconnect between conservation efforts and ecological destruction. This collection goes beyond documentary work, offering an introspective look at modern life shaped by human influence.
In the Architecture & Design category, Ulana Switucha won for her photographic series documenting the Tokyo Toilet Project. This urban redevelopment initiative in Shibuya, Tokyo, reimagines public restrooms with modern, innovative designs that aim to break societal taboos about using public toilets. Switucha’s photos reveal how these functional structures interact with the urban landscape, offering a fresh take on architecture that goes beyond aesthetics to encourage community use.
Creative: Rhiannon Adam – "Rhi-Entry" - United Kingdom
The Creative category saw Rhiannon Adam take home the award for "Rhi-Entry". This project explores Adam’s emotional journey after being selected as a member of the ill-fated civilian space mission aboard SpaceX’s Starship. Initially envisioned as a groundbreaking experience to follow in the footsteps of the Apollo 8 mission, the project was abruptly canceled, leaving Adam and her fellow crew members with a complex emotional aftermath.
Adam's work examines the collision between the dream of space exploration and the personal disillusionment that followed, blending photographic imagery with a poignant narrative of loss and hope.
Documentary: Toby Binder – "Divided Youth of Belfast" - Germany
Toby Binder was honored in the Documentary Projects category for his project "Divided Youth of Belfast". The project captures the lives of young people growing up in Northern Ireland’s divided neighborhoods, where tensions from past conflicts continue to affect daily life. Binder’s black-and-white photos tell stories of resilience, disillusionment, and the complexity of identity in post-conflict communities.
Environment: Nicolás Garrido Huguet – "Alquimia Textil" - Peru
In the Environment category, Nicolás Garrido Huguet won for "Alquimia Textil", a collaborative project with fashion designer María Lucía Muñoz. This work sheds light on the ancient techniques used by artisans in Chinchero, Cusco, Peru, who create natural dyes from local plants. The images showcase the meticulous, labor-intensive process that is often overlooked in the fast-paced fashion industry. This project emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.
Landscape: Seido Kino – "The Strata of Time" - Japan
Seido Kino took the prize in the Landscape category for his project "The Strata of Time". Kino’s work juxtaposes archival photos with present-day scenes, inviting viewers to reflect on the changes and growth in both the physical landscape and the collective memory of a nation. His poignant images capture the evolution of places, offering a visual exploration of history and its impact on today’s world.
Perspectives: Laura Pannack – "The Journey Home from School" - United Kingdom
Laura Pannack won the Perspectives category with her project "The Journey Home from School", which highlights the dangers young people face in Cape Town's gang-controlled areas. Pannack’s powerful images depict the tension of daily life for children who must navigate the threats of violence just to get home. Using experimental photography techniques, Pannack captures the emotional weight of living in constant fear.
Portraiture: Gui Christ – "M'kumba" - Brazil
In Portraiture, Gui Christ was awarded for "M'kumba", a series documenting the resilience of Afro-Brazilian communities in the face of religious intolerance. Christ’s vibrant portraits capture young people representing African deities, showcasing their cultural pride and defiance against discrimination. This ongoing project offers a visual narrative of strength, identity, and the fight for equality.
Sport: Chantal Pinzi – "Shred the Patriarchy" - Italy
In the Sport category, Chantal Pinzi took home the award for "Shred the Patriarchy", a project featuring female skateboarders in India challenging gender stereotypes. The women, defying social norms, reclaim public spaces through their passion for skateboarding, highlighting the empowerment that comes from breaking down barriers. Pinzi's images not only celebrate the sport but also the fierce determination of women striving for equality.
Still Life: Peter Franck – "Still Waiting" - Germany
Peter Franck won the Still Life category with "Still Waiting", a series that captures moments of pause and anticipation. Through minimalist photography and thoughtfully composed scenes, Franck explores the concept of waiting and the emotional state associated with it. His quiet, introspective images create a sense of stillness and reflection.
Student Photographer of the Year: Micaela Valdivia Medina – "The Last Day We Saw the Mountains and the Sea" - Peru
Micaela Valdivia Medina from Peru was awarded Student Photographer of the Year for "The Last Day We Saw the Mountains and the Sea". Medina’s project examines female prison spaces in Chile and the dynamics that shape the lives of incarcerated women and their families. The work is a poignant exploration of personal resilience, the prison system, and the emotional toll on women.
Youth Photographer of the Year: Daniel Dian-Ji Wu – "Skateboarding at Sunset" - Taiwan
The Youth Photographer of the Year award went to Daniel Dian-Ji Wu from Taiwan, for his stunning image of a skateboarder performing a trick silhouetted against the setting sun at Venice Beach. Wu, aged just 16, captures the energy and spirit of youth in a visually striking image that has resonated with global audiences.
Conclusion
The 2025 Sony World Photography Awards showcases not just technical skill but the profound emotional depth that photography can convey. This year's winners demonstrate how images can communicate stories of resilience, identity, and societal issues that transcend borders and cultures. These photographers have used their art to reflect the world’s most pressing challenges and offer new perspectives that will continue to inspire future generations.
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