The Sony World Photography Awards 2024 have revealed the finalists and nominees for this year’s professional competition. Each image, from Haider Khan’s poignant photograph of a rhino with a damaged horn to vibrant depictions celebrating the joy and freedom of cars, showcases the remarkable talent of photographers worldwide. Only three finalists were selected in each category, with the coveted title of Photographer of the Year, along with a $25,000 prize, going to the chosen individual.

Few images in this year’s selection carry the sheer emotional weight of Haider Khan’s Rhino. The photograph—stark, almost cinematic—presents a rhino with a mutilated horn, a silent victim of human greed. With masterful use of light and shadow, Khan turns this wounded creature into an elegy, a visual dirge for endangered wildlife.

It is a moment suspended in time, an urgent plea disguised as an artwork. The viewer is confronted not with mere tragedy but with an existential question: How much longer will these beings endure our sins?

As anticipation builds, the finalists will be showcased at the Sony World Photography Awards 2024, which kicks off in London before embarking on a global tour that will allow audiences around the world to engage with these powerful visual narratives.

The jury was captivated by the passionate stories that captured both the joys and challenges of human existence on our planet. We were delighted by the diverse, high-quality, and creative range of photographs submitted

Jury chair Monica Allende

The event not only celebrates individual achievements in photography but also highlights the universal themes that bind us together as a global community.

Among the finalists, we find works that span various genres and styles, reflecting a rich tapestry of perspectives. For instance, landscapes that capture the sublime beauty of nature stand in stark contrast to portraits that delve into the intricacies of human emotion. Each photographer brings their unique vision to the forefront, offering fresh insights and compelling stories that encourage reflection and dialogue.

In our review of the finalists and shortlisted works, we have selected some personal favorites across categories, each deserving of recognition for their outstanding contributions to the art of photography.

Haider Khan’s Rhino: This image powerfully conveys the vulnerability of wildlife, using dramatic lighting and composition to draw the viewer’s eye and evoke a sense of empathy.

Joyful Celebrations: Some finalists celebrate the vibrancy of life, showcasing scenes of community gatherings and cultural festivities that radiate positivity and connection.

As we consider the wealth of talent on display, the question remains: Which work would you choose as the winner?

What makes a photograph linger in the mind long after it has been seen? Perhaps it is the undeniable truth it captures, or the way it nudges us toward introspection. The Sony World Photography Awards 2024 have once again demonstrated that fine art photography is more than an aesthetic pursuit—it is an ongoing conversation between artist and audience, between past and future.

As the final selection of winners approaches, one question remains: Which of these powerful images will claim the coveted title of Photographer of the Year?

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain—each finalist has already succeeded in redefining the art of photography. The Sony World Photography Awards 2024 remind us that an image is never just an image. It is a doorway, a confrontation, a revelation.

Each image is not just a photograph; it’s a window into the soul of its subject and a reflection of the world we inhabit. The Sony World Photography Awards 2024 promise to be a remarkable event, reminding us of the transformative power of photography to inspire, challenge, and unite us all.