The World Photography Organisation has just recently revealed the 2012 shortlist for its annual Sony World Photography Awards. While there are several returning nominees for this prestigious award, there are numerous newcomers including Irina Werning whose ongoing Back to the Futureseries is one of my favorites, as of late. The yearly competition accepts entries from all around the world. This year, there were more than 112,000 entries from 171 countries.

With over a dozen categories, ranging from architecture and landscape to portraiture and current affairs, the awards reflect a wide selection of incredible photography. Both on a professional and amateur level, the shots represent a global cultural documentation. In April, all of the shortlisted photographers’ works will be exhibited in a show in London. It is at that time that the winners will also be revealed. In the meantime, the full list of works can be viewed directly from WPO’s website.

World Photography Organisation’s website
via [BBC], [Daily Mail]