Aussie photographers recognised in 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

Two Australian photographers have been recognised in the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards with work shortlisted in the top ten in two categories.

Gold Coast photographer Jason O'Brien was shortlisted in the Sport category of the Professional competition, and Tayla Martin, from Nyngan, NSW was shortlisted for a single image answering the brief ‘Memories’ in the Student Focus competition.

Also, shortlisted in the Daily Life category of the Professional competition was Icelandic Australian-based photographer Christina Simons.

Over 227,000 images from 183 countries were submitted to the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards, with shortlists for categories announced today.

O’Brien’s shortlisted series, 'Superman' - features tennis player Gael Monfils as he dives during the Australian Open tennis tournament in January 2016 - Shot for Reuters.

O’Brien has covered top global sporting events, including the Olympic Games, Tennis grand slams and Rugby World Cups. After working as staff photographer for Sports Photo Agency Action Images in London, he moved back to Australia in 2006, where he continues to cover major local and international sporting events. 

21-year-old student Tayla Martin’s shortlisted image ‘Remission’ captures the moment when her mother emerged from hospital, having been told her cancer was in remission. Martin created this fascinating portrait in order to reveal her family’s emotional journey and also connect to a wide audience of people with similar experiences.

 

Melbourne-based Christina Simons is an international documentary photographer focused on human rights and civil liberties. Her work is driven by the exploration of sub-cultures and marginalised peoples, leading to exhibitions throughout Australia, the US and currently in Mexico City.

The shortlisted work ‘The Little Bullfighters of Mexico’ follows the daily lives of young boys learning the craft of bullfighting at a Matador training school in Mexico City.

The shortlisted photographers now compete to win their categories and the Sony World Photography Awards’ Photographer of the Year title. The Open category winners will be announced on March 28, and the Professional category winners and the Student Focus winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony in London on April 20.