Sony World Photography Awards 2026: Award-Winning Women and the Stories Behind Their Images

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In this special episode of the SheClicks Women in Photography Podcast, Angela Nicholson speaks with five exceptional photographers recognised at the Sony World Photography Awards 2026.

Featuring Dafna Talmor, Elle Leontiev, Isadora Romero, María Fernanda García Freire and Vilma Taubo, this episode offers an insight into the stories behind their award-winning images.

Dafna Talmor, winner of the Landscape category, shares how she transforms archived negatives into imagined environments, embracing experimentation and unpredictability in her creative process. Open Photographer of the Year Elle Leontiev recounts the extraordinary experience of capturing her striking portrait of a volcanologist on Mount Yasur, even as her camera failed mid-shoot.

Isadora Romero, winner of the Environment category, explores the relationship between people and forests, blending science, culture and photography to challenge how we perceive nature. María Fernanda García Freire reflects on motherhood, memory and cultural identity through her deeply personal project inspired by her son’s fascination with birds.

Finally, Still Life winner Vilma Taubo discusses her thought-provoking series that reimagines everyday objects as symbols of protest, revealing the quiet but powerful ways images can communicate meaning.

Throughout the episode, Angela also shares questions from the SheClicks community, sparking honest conversations about creativity, confidence, finding your voice and navigating the challenges of a photographic career.

This inspiring episode highlights not only the diversity of contemporary photography but also the passion, resilience and curiosity that drive these award-winning women.

Connect with the Photographers

Dafna Talmor
Website
Instagram

Elle Leontiev
Website
Instagram

Isadora Romero
Website
Instagram

María Fernanda García Freire
Website
Instagram

Vilma Taubo
Website
Instagram

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