16 Of The Most Striking Images Shortlisted For This Year’s World Photography Awards

An incredible glimpse into everyday life around the world. The shortlist for the 2016 Sony World Photography Awards has been released, with a record 230,103 entries from photographers from 186 countries. Up for grabs is $30,000 (€27,000) in cash prizes along with the latest digital camera equipment. The winners will be announced on 21st April and the shortlisted photos will be exhibited at London's Somerset House throughout April and May. The competition is divided into three categories; professional, open and youth. Sub-categories include travel, art and culture, portrait, current affairs, landscape, architecture and more. Take a look at a selection of the stunning shots below. You can browse the complete shortlist here.

Image: Attila Balogh/Sony World Photography Awards

Malaika with her cubs in Masai Mara reservation, Kenya.

IMAGE: Mohammed Yousef/ Sony World Photography Awards

Worshippers after the Gangasagar fair in West Bengal.

Image: Abhijit Banerjee/Sony World Photography Awards

Bryce Canyon National Park.

Image: Anasuya Manal/Sony World Photography Awards

Children playing in the sand in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

IMAGE: MD Tanveer Rohan/ Sony World Photography Awards

The mass swarming of Danube mayfly in Raba and Danube rivers.

Image: Imre Potyó/ Sony World Photography Awards

Baby fur seal in the Commander islands.

IMAGE: Andrey Narchuk/ Sony World Photography Awards

Firefly season in Japan.

Image: Kei Nomiyama/Sony World Photography Awards

Morning candid of monks and novices while accepting offerings in Myanmar.

Image: Kyaw Bo Bo Han/Sony World Photography Awards

  The Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey circus train.

Image: Stephanie Sinclair/ Sony World Photography Awards

A Chinese cultural theatrical show called the Impression Lijiang. 

IMAGE: Nader Saadallah/Sony World Photography Awards

Eagle Hunting Festival in western China. 

Image: Kevin Frayer/Sony World Photography Awards