The 2013 Sony World Photography Awards

                        

                                                                   

                                                                                                                   

Some are inspiring, some are disturbing and some beyond description.

I have posted some of my favourites.

The Sony World Photography Awards, an annual competition hosted by the World Photography Organisation, has recently announced its shortlist of winners. 

This year's contest attracted more than 122,000 entries from 170 countries. The photographs are being judged in six different competition categories, including Professional, Open, and Student Focus. 

The organizers have been kind enough to share some of their shortlisted images with In Focus, gathered below. 

Winners are scheduled to be announced in March and April. [40 photos]

Many thanks to The Atlantic. 
More pictures there, as well as more details and credits.

Thanks to Jared for sending me this!