WHAT? Sony World Photography Awards

WHERE? Somerset House, East & West Wings, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

WHEN? Now until 4th May

WHY GO? For the power of photography. The prestigious Sony World Photography Awards, where professionals, students and passionate lovers of photography compete, is a creative challenge and the results provide an exciting exhibition for fans of imagery to admire.

To pronounce an overall winner is always nigh on impossible, but this year’s Photographer of the Year title goes to Mexican Citlali Fabian, whose powerful portraits were singled out for their added-on digital artwork and for the social message of sisterhood she delivers, calling attention to her Mexican heritage.

It’s always rewarding to see skilled students but, on the other end of the scale, even more rewarding to see a colossal photographer’s lifetime of work lauded and appreciated.

Joel Meyerowitz gets this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Photography prize and what a charismatic personality he is.

The accompanying mixed-media video shows how engaging, even at the age of 88, he still is with pioneering photography. Twinkly-eyed and sharp as a razor, Meyerowitz’s passion and good humour shines through his six-decade career as a photographer.

Many of his favourite shots are on show, from bucolic images of the Tuscany he loves to the raw, bustling street life photos of New York that kick-started his career.

IN THE KNOW Documentary photographer Zed Nelson, last year’s recipient of the top award, offers much to reflect upon through his gripping imagery: “While we destroy the natural world around us, we have become masters of a stage-managed artificial experience of nature,” he quotes and his extraordinary work highlights his message.