Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

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Best 300 images from around the world


Somerset House is hosting the 19th annual Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition through May 4th.

Free to enter, the Awards  attracted 430,000 submissions from 200 countries. This year’s exhibition explores the themes of:

  • Absence — photos of lost memories, unseen identities, gaps in history, and empty landscapes;
  • Humans in the Stories — both individuality and collectivity, and how being part of a group shapes who someone is; and
  • Conflicted Territories — looks at places marked by conflict and division, showing how people and wildlife adapt to life shaped by competition for land and resources.
The show spans architecture, documentary, portraiture, sport, still life, and wildlife highlighting core photographic elements — color, composition, light, shadow, shape, texture and tone that bring images to life.

Some standout images include Study on Flying by María Fernanda García Freire, Waving Squirrel by Stan Bouman;, Fairy Mushroom Sporulations by Benjamin Pawlica, and Buzkashi by Todd Anthony.

Ticket Prices:
Adult: £18
Student: £12

Opening Hours:
10 am – 7 pm

Advance booking is recommended.

Sony World Photography Awards
✆ +44 3333 202836 Strand, London WC2R 1LA

Bluebells in Bloom

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The UK is home to nearly half of the world's bluebells. They are an ancient woodland indicator — and often thriving in British woodlands over 400 years old.

Historically, sap from their bulbs was used as glue for bookbinding and when crushed, provided the starch to stiffen Elizabethan collars and sleeves.

For a few weeks each spring, Chalet Wood in Epping Forest — less than 40 minutes from Waterloo Station — transforms into a sea of bluebells.  However, native bluebells are under threat due to habitat loss and climate change.

English bluebells are easily to spot: deep violet color, strongly scented, with flowers that droop to one side of the stem.  In contrast, the non-native Spanish bluebells are upright, scentless; and threaten native species through cross-breeding and competition.

Though primarily pollinated by bees, some 'steal' nectar by biting a hole in the base of the flower, avoiding pollination.

Bluebells are fragile and can take up to seven years to bloom from a seed.  Even a single footstep can crush their leaves, preventing preventing photosynthesis and killing the plant.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great photo spots along the winding marked pathways.

Bonus : The walk from Wanstead Station is picturesque too with front gardens of camellias, cherry blossoms, hyacinth, poppies, and wisteria.

Note : No bluebells were harmed in taking these photos :)