The Sony World Photography Awards Shortlist

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The assorted vistas and still life shots in the gallery above are taken from the shortlist of finalists for the Sony World Photography awards.

The world's largest photography competition, over 173,444 images from amateur and professional photographers across 171 countries submitted entries for the $25,000 top prize. 

The winner, along with nods to the top photographs of the professional, youth and open photographer categories, will all be announced at the Sony World Photography Awards Gala Ceremony on 23 April, before the winning and shortlisted images appear in an exhibition at Somerset House, London from 24 April – 10 May.

We've selected our favourite images from the shortlist, but you can see the full list here. 

(Images: World Photography Organisation/Sony World Photography Awards)

First sight

©Brent Stirton, South Africa, Shortlist, Contemporary Issues, Professional, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

The Toll of Obesity

©Lisa Krantz, United States, Shortlisted, Contemporary Issues, Professional, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

Futuristic Archaeology

©Deasung Lee, Republic of Korea, Shortlist, Conceptual, Professional Competition, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

Sweat and blood

©Marcin Klocek / TRAVELLER, Poland, Shortlist, Sport, Professional Competition, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

Animal Behaviour

(c) Kimmo Metsaranta, Finland, Shortlist, Still Life, Professional Competition, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

Olympic faces

(c) Sascha Fromm, Germany, Shortlist, Sport, Professional Competition, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

Glasgow; Second City of The Empire. On the run up to the Scottish Referendum.

(c) Dougie Wallace / Institute, United Kingdom, SHORTLIST, Portraiture, Professional Competition, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

CAESAR

(c) Christian Berthelot, France, Shortlist, Portraiture, Professional Competition, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

Purim Holiday in Jerusalem

©Gili Yaari, Israel, Shortlist, Arts & Culture, Professional, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

Three cute frogs at the morning lights

©Harfian Herdi, Indonesia, Shortlist, Nature &Wildlife, Open, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

An old shepherd that had been surprised by snow storm in Gilan's countrysides in the north of Iran

©Saeed Barikani, Iran, Shortlist, Smile, Open, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

One of traditional attraction in Indonesia Culture called Bujang Ganong. He jumped into the circle of fire

©Aprison Aprison, Indonesia, Shortlist, Arts&Culture, Open, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards

Blue Fields

(c) Simon Butterworth, United Kingdom, Shortlist, Landscape, Professional Competition, 2015 Sony World Photography Award

Restricted Areas

(c) Danila Tkachenko, Russia, Shortlist, Landscape, Professional Competition, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards 

Ganges, Death of a River

(c) Giulio di Sturco / Reportage by Getty, Italy, Shortlist, Landscape, Professional Competition, 2015 Sony World Photography Awards