The Youth competition is the Sony World Photography Awards’ strand for photographers aged 19 and under, run by the London-based World Photography Organisation.
It is an open call: entrants upload up to three single images taken in 2026, in any style or genre. Judges shortlist up to 10 photographers and pick one overall winner, announced in April 2027.
Benefits & funding
- Free to enter; prizes have no cash alternative.
- Winner: Sony Digital Imaging equipment, flights and accommodation to the London ceremony, and a trophy.
- Prizes also include a certificate (may be digital), a copy of the book, and book and exhibition inclusion; winner and shortlist get global press exposure and online promotion.
- Winners arrange and pay for their own UK visa or ETA, and any income tax on prizes.
Eligibility
- Aged 19 or under on the 5 January 2027 closing date; no minimum age.
- Any nationality; no country of residence required.
- Under 16: parent or guardian consent needed; an under-16 winner must return a signed consent form within 7 days.
- Images must be the entrant’s own, entered under their real name; computer-generated origins are barred.
Application process
- 1Pick up to three single images taken in 2026 (rules clause 2.1; the FAQ allows 1 January 2026 to 5 January 2027).
- 2Describe any manipulation in each image description.
- 3Upload online by 5 January 2027, 16:00 GMT; entries cannot be changed after submission.
- 4Three images are free; the FAQ says more can be entered by buying image bundles.
Program timeline
Entries open.
Jun 1, 2026
Entries close, 16:00 GMT.
Jan 5, 2027
Shortlist announced.
Before April 2027
Overall winner announced at the London ceremony.
April 2027