'Iconic' bushfire shot takes out Sony World Photo Award for Australia

The World Photography Organisation has announced NSW photographer Adam Stevenson as the Australian National Award winner for the Sony World Photography Awards 2020. 

The National Awards program is an initiative set up by the World Photography Organisation and Sony to support local photographic communities around the world.

The program awards one photographer from each nation for a standalone image, which is then exhibited at Somerset House, London from 17 April – 4 May. 

Stevenson was anonymously selected by judges for his image ‘There’s Nothing To Laugh About’, entered into the Natural World category of the Open competition.

Speaking about his accolade, Stevenson said he was 'shocked.'

“I’m a little shocked but very honored, as an amateur iPhone user who also takes photos - it’s very humbling to be on the shortlist.

My photo is very personal, having survived some horrible fires in my town, and has gone viral online since posting on social media in November 2019.

“[The bushfires were] just 50m from my home, which we almost lost due to the fires. Whilst watching the sun set through the smoke and burnt landscape, this kookaburra allowed me to walk right up to it. We both had a moment and watched the sun fade behind the apocalyptic scenes… he was laughing.” 

Over 345,000 images were submitted to the Sony World Photography Awards 2020 competition and over 190,000 entered the Open competition – the highest number of entries to date.

As the National Award winner, Stevenson won an Sony A7R IV camera and 24-70 f/2.8 GM lens.

You can see a selection of some of the winners and finalists from the Sony World Photography Awards below.