Post-Lockdown Cigarette, in the Cold Rain of June © Lauriane Bieber, France, Winner, National Awards, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards
This photograph is a story of first times. The first time I shot my dear friend Léo, that I only had met once in my life about ten years ago. The first time I went outside after three months. The first friend I met after the lockdown. The first time I worked with a model so brave and so dedicated to art and creation. The first time I felt how much photography was important to me.
The Last Winter © Yukihito Ono, Japan, Winner, National Awards, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards
Photographed in Fukushima, Japan, this train – known as Ki-Ha 40 – was retired from the Tadami Line on 11 March, 2020
Battlefield © Yu-Liang Chueh, Taiwan, 3rd Place, National Awards, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards
For the people of Taitung in Taiwan, the Bombing of Master Handan is the highlight of the annual Lantern Festival; it’s a cultural ritual I attend every year. While most spectators concentrated on the sedan chair, I noticed the firecracker thrower below, with the scene looking just like a battlefield.
Julian Alps © Aljaž Žnidaršič Slovenia, Winner, National Awards, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards
My friend and I were on our first climb of the winter. We’d hoped to ascend three mountains on the same ridge, but because of the conditions, we had to turn back before the final peak. This image expresses the struggle we faced in deciding whether to turn round or continue.
Poems For Sisters © Hardijanto Budyman, Indonesia, Winner, National Awards, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards
You are angels in disguise
Side by side or miles apart
Sisters will always be connected by the heart
Foggy Farming © Thoedoros Apeiranthitis, Greece, Winner, National Awards, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards
At 1,003m, Mount Zas (or Zeus) dominates the Greek island of Naxos. One day in early April, I decided to make my way to the top. By the time I was halfway up, the fog had become so dense it completely obscured the base of the mountain, making me feel as if I was flying. I noticed a small herd of sheep grazing peacefully in this strange environment. I took a shot before moving on and becoming lost in the fog.
Foggy Morning Fishing © Min Min Zaw, Myanmar, Winner, National Awards, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards
his scene shows a father and son catching fish early one winter morning. In Myanmar, children work with their parents to bring in an income for the whole family.
Oydis and Gunnar © Wieringa Hildebrand, Norway, Winner, National Awards, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards
Last picture from a personal shoot this October. 2020 feels like we're all just bumping our heads against a big wall together.
Hourglass © Patrick Mueller, United States of America, Winner, National Awards, 2021 Sony World Photography Awards
A snaking dune in Death Valley meets the saddle of the surrounding mountains.
