Established in 2007, the World Photography Organisation set out to raise awareness and level of conversation around photography worldwide. Each year, they provide a platform to Sony, which celebrates photographers’ works in over 50 countries and awards the Sony National & Regional prize. So far, the program has rewarded more than 500 photographers and is still counting. The prestigious and influential program is now in its ninth year and hand-picks the best single images from each of the countries entered and the winners are given Sony digital imaging equipment as well as plenty of global and local exposure. The initiative helps to support the artists working in the medium of photography and showcases their work. The World Photography Organisation arranges international exhibition tours and competitions, as well as contributes to collaborations and prestigious awards. Bored Panda is celebrating the photographers and their exquisite work and have connected with some of the winners. You can read about it below, as well as vote for your favorites on this list and let us know your impressions.
#21 Poland Winner: 'The Moon Girl', By Kamila J. Gruss
The dark side of social media where everyone seems to be happy
41points
#22 Japan Winner: 'The Last Winter', By Yukihito Ono
Photographed in Fukushima, Japan, this train – known as Ki-Ha 40 – was retired from the Tadami Line on 11 March, 2020.
40points
#23 Slovakia Winner: 'On His Own Path', By Peter Svoboda
A lone cross-country skier ascends a hill. I wanted to capture a minimal winter image that had symbolism and suggested a parallel with human life.
35points
#24 Viet Nam Winner: 'Waiting', By Tuan Nguyen Quang
This photograph was taken in Ha Giang, Vietnam. I went into a house in the village and asked permission to take pictures there.
34points
#25 Egypt Winner: 'The Mevlevi Dancer', By Abdelhamid Fawzy Tahoun
Tanoura is an Egyptian dance, performed in circular motions, which has its spiritual origins in Sufism. Its performers believe that all movement in the universe starts and ends at the same point, so this is reflected in the dance, with the continuous spinning making them appear like planets moving in space.
32points
#26 New Zealand Winner: 'Wrong Place Wrong Time', By Murray Chant
This piece of ice had rolled around in the shallows until it assumed a worn and organic form. I photographed it at dusk and lit it from below.
32points
#27 Malaysia Winner: 'Long-Tailed Macaque', By Yoganathan Yoke
This photograph of a long-tailed macaque, also known as the crab-eating macaque, was taken in the mangrove forest of Kuala Gula, Perak. I went there one evening, hoping to photograph birds or snakes, when I saw a group of macaques foraging in the mud for their last meal of the day. A ray of light from the sunset fell on this macaque just as it looked up. I felt it looked like a gesture of hope for the future.
30points
#28 Turkey Winner: 'Astroturf', By Mehmet Aslan
The pandemic has affected everyone. Since places of worship are closed, these men pray on the Astroturf pitch, while adhering to social distancing.
29points
#29 Cambodia Winner: 'I Miss You', By Sean Channal
This used to be the place where an audience would relieve their stresses and share their excitement, but since the Covid-19 outbreak, everything has changed. The theatre is now silent and lonely. One day, I hope, things will return to normality.
28points
#30 Sri Lanka Winner: 'Hustle For Survival', By Isira Sooriyaarachchi
On a weekday in August, while I was wandering along Main Street, Colombo, this man caught my attention among the crowds of people and busy traffic. I crossed to the middle of the road and pulled out my phone to capture the life of a worker doing his best to survive during the Covid-19 pandemic.
25points