The Sony World Photo competition hands out awards annually to 4 different categories of photographers; Professional (for a body of work), open (to any single image), youth (photographers aged 12-19), and student focus. National Awards are also presented to one photo from each of almost 200 participating countries. Below are some of my favorites, picking and choosing between image categories for the 2017 and 2018 winners: Architecture, Culture, Enhanced, Landscape & Nature, Motion, Portraiture, Still Life, Street Photography, Travel and Wildlife.

By Mauricia Lima, Brazil.
Indigenous children jump into the water as they play around the Tapajós river, in the Munduruku tribal area called Sawré Muybu.

Ballet, © Fredrik Lerneryd, Sweden. Sometimes a photographer from one country wins for a photo taken in a different country.

By Mikhail Svetlov. Orthodox Easter service in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Russia

Homare Hamada
of Japan captured the full trajectory launch of the Stork rocket by using long exposure.

By Ales Krivec, Slovenia
I was waiting eagerly for the first cold winter morning after the snowy day. Finally the conditions were just as I wanted them to be. Still lake, beautiful pink/purple morning tones, snow on the trees and some fog for mystic atmosphere.

By Peter Svoboda, Slovakia, Svetlo zhora
The picture “Light from above” was taken in September 2016 in Santa Maddalena, Dolomiten, Italy. Beautiful light and humidity stood behind the nice play of light and shadows that morning. I was waiting as the small church was illuminated by the very first rays of Sun.

Kyaw Win Hlaing, Myanmar, This image was taken at Sadan Cave, Pahan township, Karin State in Myanmar.
Thanks to Sam for getting me started on this.
Thank You ~~ Excellent , As Always
Always love getting your emails and the wonderful pictures!!
I love seeing these parts of the world through your eyes. Thank you.
Last one is my fave
Thank you for bringing parts of the world that I would never be able to see. Impressive and delightful.
I couldn’t pick a fave-as i liked and enjoyed them all, thanks again for another of your usual superb selections.
YOU NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE, EVERY PHOTO IS SPECTACULAR
THANK YOU
Spectacular photography! Thank you for sharing!
AMAZING photos! Many were just breathtaking! Thanks for sharing!
Mer, Mine too. That and the first one. 🙂
Beautiful Photos!!!!!
Truly a beautiful and amazing picturesque trip to places I would never be able to see. Thanks very much.
MARVELOUS as . Dano
Lucky to have been in some of these countries,thanks for returning the memories.
So many wondrous sights in our world. Thank you for sharing.
Magnificent display of images and emotions! I am envious of those who can transfer their feelings in to a picture. Well done to you all and thanks for sharing.
Breathtaking…
Absolutely superb photography.takes the viewer to places beyond the imagination
Tüm fotolar çok güzeller.Yaratıcılarına ve ”Duskys Wonder Site”a teşekkürler
I feel as if you give me a new life each time. I will be 94 ina few days. Never had the opportunity or means to travel and you fill in the real void in my life. THANK. E
Don’t see the trees. They were another spectacular view from many I have enjoyed. Even when days are hectic, I find joy and peace looking at your delightful selections. Thank you so much.
There is SO MUCH BEAUTY in our world!
Just remember who created NATURE….