Students today, masters tomorrow: Sony World Photography Awards celebrate young talent across Europe
Photographs from young talent submitted to the Sony World Photography Awards navigate themes like femininity and individuality, the aftermath of environmental disasters, and friendship.
From students today to masters tomorrow.
The 2026 Sony World Photography Awards have revealed the winners of the new European Student Award, a new category to celebrate the finest young talent across Europe.
This year's inaugural prize has been awarded to Teresa Halbreiter from the University of Applied Sciences Hamburg, Germany.
Halbreiter’s winning series Stillgestanden (Attention!) explores femininity and individuality in the male-dominated German Armed Forces.
The striking photographs occupy the space between tenderness and toughness, capturing complex identities in conversation with the institutions they exist in.
The four other students shortlisted for the prize explored a range of themes, including the aftermath of environmental disasters and friendship.
The winning works are on display as part of the exhibition at Somerset House, London from 17 April to 4 May, 2026.