The winning photographers in the 2021 Sony World Photography Awards have been revealed – and the images in this year’s winners’ gallery are as fascinating as ever.
The contest runs four competitions – professional, open, student and youth. This year, it received 330,000 entries from photographers across the globe.
The winner of the professional competition, scooping the title of Photographer of the Year 2021 and the $25,000 (£18,201) grand prize, is Scottish snapper Craig Easton for his series of portraits that examine ‘misrepresentation of communities in northern England’ and focus on the tight-knit neighbourhood of Bank Top in Blackburn.
Mike Trow, chair of the 2021 professional competition, said: ‘What is so impressive about this project is the intent, dedication and understanding Craig brings to it. These are not people who necessarily want to be photographed, but Craig gained their trust. They look frankly to camera and we see a mutual understanding between documenter and subject. It is the moral weight behind this work that makes it so important and deserving of this prize.’