Dubai, UAE, 23 October 2018:   The World Photography Organisation is delighted to announce that the UAE National Award is now open for entries. A longstanding part of the Sony World Photography Awards, the National Awards provide the unique opportunity for entrants of all levels, from more than 50 countries, to be recognised in an internationally renowned photography competition.

 

UAE-based photographers who enter any of the Sony World Photography Awards’ ten Open categories will be automatically entered into the UAE National Award. Judges are looking for single images across categories including Architecture, Travel, Culture and Street Photography (see full list below). 

 

The winner of the UAE National Award will not only receive the latest Sony digital imaging equipment, but the image will be promoted globally and shown at the annual Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London, April 2019.

 

The UAE National Award launched in 2016 and last year’s UAE winner was Don Ferdinand Tabbun, an architect based in Abu Dhabi. Particularly interested in capturing human expressions and cultural traditions, he won for his photograph titled Challenge.

 

Speaking of his win, Tabbun said “The photo was taken during the Al Dhafra Camel and Heritage Festival in the western region of Abu Dhabi, the annual occasion to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the region. Being one of the winners of the Sony World Photography Awards is a rare event, and I am very excited to be recognised.” 

 

Now in its 12th year, the Sony World Photography Awards celebrate the finest contemporary photography from the past 12 months across all genres of the medium. All entries are free at www.worldphoto.org/swpa. The Awards’ winning and shortlisted photographers can enjoy worldwide recognition and exposure in addition to cash prizes, the latest digital imaging equipment from Sony and inclusion in global exhibitions.

 

Announced today, the Awards is judged by a leading international panel of photography industry experts from across museums, publishing, media and festivals.  The Open, Youth and National Awards competition’s Chair is Rebecca McClelland, Photography Director & Head of Art Production for Saatchi Saatchi & Prodigious (UK).

 

Offering words of advice to entrants, 2019 Professional Competition Chair, Mike Trow says:

“What makes the Sony World Photography Awards so exciting is the range of subjects and global reach of the stories and images selected. My advice for entrants is to choose your categories carefully and believe in your story. Show how you see the world, and avoid cliché. Photography techniques and styles are getting more adventurous and dynamic, so technical excellence is also necessary. To impress this world-leading panel of judges will take your best output, and the ability to edit your work so it is coherent, dynamic and beautiful.”

 

The closing dates for the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards are:

The Open and Youth shortlist for the Awards will be announced on February 5, 2019.  The Open and National Awards winners will be announced February 26, 2019.  The Professional and Student competitions’ shortlist will be announced on April 2, 2019. The Photographer of the Year, Overall Open, Student, Youth and Professional category winners will be announced April 17, 2019.