I didn’t even know this was a thing before now and I’m blown away by the quality of entries.

Now in its ninth year, the Sony World Photography Awards is the world’s largest photography competition, recognising and showcasing the best photographic talent across all levels, genres and areas of expertise from the past 12 months.

The winning images are taken from a record-breaking 230,103 images which were entered into the awards’ Professional, Open, Youth and National Award competitions from over 180 countries. The total number of entries received by the Sony World Photography Awards since its launch in 2007 has now surpassed 1 million images, reinforcing its position as one of the most respected and influential photography competitions in existence.

So who took top spot from the coveted awards?

The Honorary Judging Committee has selected Iranian photojournalist Asghar Khamseh as the recipient of the most coveted prize, the L’Iris d’Or Professional Photographer of the Year. Kei Nomiyama, Japan, wins Open Photographer of the Year.

More after the jump.

Asghar Khamseh – Fire of Hatred

The violent act of acid throwing is primarily against women and children. These attacks are committed with the intent to disfigure, maim and destroy the social life and future of the victim. The motivation to commit this type of violence is cultural destitution, intolerance and happens in situations such as family conflicts, rejected marriage proposal, revenge and divorce requests. Victims In addition physical and psychological damages, victims are faced with the experience of social stigma, blame and social unpleasant tags.

A fair warning that the photos are extremely poetic and graphic so for that reason, I opted not to use one for the header image. The photos can be viewed here. Unfortunately I couldn’t find information on her gear.

All the winning images will be part of the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition at Somerset House, London from 22nd April – 8th May and will be published in the annual Sony World Photography Awards book

You can see all the winners from the source link.

Discuss:

What are some of your favorite photos?

[Via WorldPhoto]