SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENT COMPETITION AWARDS 2025

With its unparalleled reach, the Sony World Photography Awards elevate the careers of photographers to the next level. Since the beginning, the Awards have championed inclusivity and access by being free to enter. Acting as an insight into photography today in all its diversity, the Awards spotlights photographers telling the stories of our time.

2025 Brief: In the Beginning 

The start of something new can be an exciting prospect and documenting the point in time or space at which something begins has been a popular theme for photography projects throughout time. 

For this year’s brief, we’re asking students to show through a series of five to 10 images  the first part or earliest stage of something. Be it following a new life, sharing the start of someone’s day, following the preparations and beginning of a particular occasion or celebration, or revealing the promise of new technology, the story, approach and photographic style can be in any genre.      

Your images can be taken on any device, shot in any style – be black & white or colour – and approached from any angle you feel is best. While creative responses are encouraged, photographers must stick to the brief.

If your institution is not registered yet, you can register here. For a list of participating institutions please see here. For information relating to this year’s brief or any other questions please email Panos Pomonis at panos@creoarts.com

*A programme refers to a formalised photography course/credit/module/foundation which is taught at higher education level, within a diploma / Bachelor of Arts / Master of Arts curriculum.