Highlights from entries to 2018 Sony World Photography Awards so far

Submitted by photographers from around the world, the images cover a wide variety of topics, from stunning aerial landscapes to intimate portraits and animals in the wild. The internationally acclaimed Sony World Photography Awards are one of the most important fixtures on the worldwide photographic calendar, with many of its shortlisted and winning photographers gaining global exposure and recognition.

Last year’s Photographer of the Year, Frederik Buyckx of Belgium said: "Being named Photographer of the Year has given me more exposure than I could ever have imagined. It has opened lots of new doors but, just as importantly, the award has also encouraged me to keep on working on my personal projects."

Past shortlisted UK photographer Simon Butterworth said: "It’s impossible to overstate the importance of this achievement to my career, the global coverage was amazing, in fact, interest in my work as a direct result of the awards continues to this day."

All entries to the Awards are free at www.worldphoto.org/swpa.