By Sara Barnes on March 17, 2025

“Paddy Straw” © Syed Mahabubul Kader, Bangladesh, Winner, National Awards
A group of workers unloads paddy straw from a truck. The rice straw is a by-product of farming that is used for a variety of purposes, including as cattle feed and fuel.

These amazing winners offer an eye-opening visual trip around the world!

The Sony World Photography Awards offers many ways for photographers to have their work noticed. The organization puts on multiple competitions and has recently announced the winners of its 2025 National and Regional Awards. Celebrating the diversity of visual storytelling across the globe, this initiative was created to support local photographic communities.

“Spider-Verse” © Wan Yong Chong, Malaysia, Winner, National Awards
In this photograph, a group of freedivers skilfully defy gravity, suspended upside down beneath a boat in clear water. Their silhouettes create a mesmerising scene that is reminiscent of the ‘Spider-Verse’; their forms seem to dance in harmony with the underwater world, blending the artistry of human movement with the fluidity of aquatic life.

Our planet is vast and diverse, and the winning images highlight this wonderful fact. With 56 countries included in the 2025 competition, the selected photographs are like a trip around the world. Local culture is one theme covered, with the lauded photographers capturing intriguing scenes in their respective countries.

Wan Yong Chong of Malaysia captured a split-screen-like shot of a group of freedivers suspended upside down in crystal clear waters. While some are at play, others are at work. Syed Mahabubul Kader of Bangladesh photographed a group of workers unloading a massive pile of paddy straw from a colorful, small truck. Each image, no matter its content, offers another thread in the rich tapestry of human culture. […]

“Untitled” © Ahmed Abdallah, Egypt, Winner, National Awards
The Abu Al-Fasad bird is known for its elegance and graceful movements. This small bird holds a special place in the Egyptian environment, symbolising vibrant nature and beauty. Photographed at Dahab Island, Giza, this image reveals the intricate details of the bird in flight against a natural backdrop. The photographer waited for four hours in the direct sun, to capture this moment.

“Vortex” © Pedro Jarque Krebs, Peru, 2nd Place, Latin America Regional Awards
The fascinating tail of a chameleon – a master of camouflage – reflects the complexity and beauty found in every corner of nature.

More: 2025 Sony World Photography Awards National & Regional Winners