The 2026 Sony World Photography Awards have unveiled a stunning collection of images, showcasing both established and emerging photographic talent from around the globe. With over 430,000 entries submitted from more than 200 countries and territories, the competition, now in its 19th year, continues to be a significant platform for photographic expression.
Kombu Harvest: A Glimpse into Japanese Tradition
Among the shortlisted entries in the Open Competition’s Lifestyle category, Tomek Kozlowski’s photograph, “Green Gold,” offers a captivating view of kombu harvesting in Hokkaido, Japan. The image depicts small boats at dawn, collecting kombu – a type of kelp considered a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine. Kozlowski’s work highlights the centuries-old tradition and the enduring coastal identity of the region.
Kombu, often referred to as “green gold,” isn’t simply an ingredient; it’s deeply embedded in Japanese culinary culture. As detailed in a recent fine dining experience documented on Reddit, Rausu Kombu from Eastern Hokkaido is particularly prized, considered one of the highest grades of kelp available in Japan. The Reddit post, dated , details a meal where Rausu Kombu played a central role, emphasizing its quality and importance.
The photograph captures the kelp swaying beneath calm waters, having grown for years before being harvested and dried. This process reflects a commitment to tradition and sustainable practices, as each sheet embodies generations of knowledge and skill. The image isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s a visual representation of a vital cultural and economic activity.
A Diverse Range of Photographic Excellence
Beyond Kozlowski’s striking image, the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards showcase a diverse range of photographic styles and subjects. In the Natural World & Wildlife category, Huajin Sun’s “Crowning of the King” captures a victorious ‘milu king’ – a type of deer – roaring triumphantly at dawn. The photograph’s composition, with the rising sun highlighting the animal’s silhouette, emphasizes its power and majesty.
Maciej Lubomski’s “Tokyo Rush,” shortlisted in the Street Photography category, offers a dynamic portrayal of urban life in Japan. The image freezes a fleeting moment on a Tokyo train, focusing on the conductor framed perfectly in the doorway as the surrounding environment blurs into motion. Lubomski’s work demonstrates an ability to capture the energy and rhythm of a bustling city.
The Motion category features compelling images like Axel Schmidtke’s “Chaos,” which depicts a bearded seal beneath a collapsing glacier in Svalbard. The photograph captures a dramatic moment of environmental change, highlighting the fragility of Arctic ecosystems. Lorea Hausheer’s “Celestial Dance” showcases the graceful movements of a Lusitano stallion, emphasizing the beauty and power of the animal.
Architectural and Social Commentary
The awards also recognize compelling architectural photography. MD Tanveer Rohan’s “Desert Rose: The National Museum of Qatar” presents a striking view of the museum’s unique design, inspired by the desert rose crystal formation. The image showcases the interlocking geometric disks and sweeping forms that characterize the building’s architecture.
Mariana Zilbershteyn’s “Tonsure,” also shortlisted in Street Photography, offers a poignant glimpse into the Hindu pilgrimage of Kumbh Mela. The photograph depicts a young boy having his hair shaved by his mother as part of a traditional tonsure ceremony, symbolizing devotion and humility. This image provides a powerful social commentary, capturing a deeply meaningful cultural practice.
Lifestyle Category Highlights
The Lifestyle category, in addition to Kozlowski’s kombu harvest image, features a diverse range of subjects. Vanta Coda III’s winning photograph, “Charlotte and Dolly,” captures a tender moment at the 100th State Fair of West Virginia, showing a young girl relaxing with her cow in the barn. The image highlights the connection between people and animals, and the traditions of rural life.
Other shortlisted entries in the Lifestyle category include Andreas Kanellopoulos’s portrait of Magda, an 86-year-old former actress, and Camila de Medeiros Fantinel’s depiction of traditional barbecue preparation in Brazil. Sebastian Szczepanowski’s “Summer Camp, Afternoon” offers a serene view of lakeside life, while Mustafa Shorbaji’s “From the South” portrays a Sudanese family impacted by conflict.
The 2026 Sony World Photography Awards demonstrate the power of photography to capture not only visually stunning images but also compelling stories that reflect the diversity of human experience and the beauty of the natural world. The awards serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of photography as a medium for artistic expression and social commentary.
