Announced yesterday, the 2009 Sony World Photography Awards shortlist has honoured nine Australian snappers among the 186 exceptional photographers from 43 different countries.
Having been plucked from a selection of 36,546 professional and 25,370 amateur submissions, the Aussies span most categories, including sport (Ezra Shaw, Mick Tsikas), fashion (Jaclyn Adams, Jenni White), portraiture (Lisa Wiltse, Tim Clayton) and natural history (Lisa Maree Williams, Steve Morenos, Greg Lamont).
The entries were put under “intense scrutiny by the world’s toughest critics”, Zelda Cheatle, chair of Judges in the fine art genre, said. “I believe that we all felt we had achieved an excellent outcome which will make a powerful statement as a collection,” she added.
The finalists in each of the categories will be announced on Tuesday 17 March, and will be honoured at the Sony World Photography Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes on Thursday 16 April. Also on the night, the 2009 winner of the L’Iris D’Or for Sony World Photographer of the Year will be announced and will receive $25,000 and professional Sony camera equipment. The winning amateur photographer will receive a $5,000 cash prize as well as Sony camera equipment.
