The finalists for the Open and Youth sections of the Sony World Photography Awards 2019 have been announced, with the stunning selection showcasing diverse talent from around the world. This year's competition saw a record-breaking 326,000 submissions from 195 countries and territories. Produced by the World Photography Organisation, the Sony World Photography Awards consist of four competitions in total: Professional (for a body of works), Open (for a single image), Student (for academic institutions) and Youth (for 12-19-year-olds).
The Youth shortlist features the top eight single images taken by 12-19-year-olds responding to the theme of ‘Diversity’. Shortlisted photographers come from across the world from China and Zimbabwe to Bangladesh and Moldova, and one young photographer will be announced as Youth Photographer of the Year in April.
“I was astonished with the diversity of work that was entered into the Open and Youth competitions. The award represents a very democratic appreciation of photography, from tradition to emergent trends across all genres from nature to fashion. The competition allows the broadest demographic to have a platform,” said Rebecca McClelland, Photography Director & Head of Art Production for Saatchi Saatchi & Prodigious, who is chair of judging in the Open and Youth competition.
