From backstage spotlights to remote glaciers and quiet family moments, the Sony Artisans of Imagery and Alpha Collective answered our call to share their favorite photo of 2025 – and the stories behind them. This curated collection spans wildlife and wedding portraits, street scenes and sports history, night skies and underwater worlds, each frame paired with the gear, technique, and intention that brought it to life. Together, these images reveal more than mastery of light and timing, they capture why we make photographs in the first place – curiosity, connection and the thrill of turning a fleeting moment into something timeless.
Thank you to everyone for another incredible year in Sony photography. We can’t wait to see what creators capture with their Alpha cameras in 2026.
Ira Block
Photo by Ira Block. Alpha 1 II. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“I gravitated to this scene of young monks in Bhutan coming in and out of this temple and the array of footwear in front of it. Everything seemed busy and frenetic. I waited for a while to photograph the final moment of this scene - the last kid running through the doorway with his foot dangling out.”
“This photograph is meaningful to me because it reflects my image-making throughout the year. I made images of simple moments with complex compositions that unravel the story, while showing the chaos. Metaphorically, it reflects the pandemonium in the world and how we deal with it.”
L. Renee Blount
Photo by L. Renee Blount. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II.
"Went to the Sierras on horseback more than once to find wild mustangs that I had long heard about after climbing in the Sierras for years. Spending days on horseback to get this shot and finally grabbing it was incredible!"
Nancy Borowick
Photo by Nancy Borowick. Alpha 7R V. 35mm f/1.4 G Master.
“It has become a yearly tradition to have a family fun day when my siblings' families and mine all come together in the summer. This was the second time we did the donut challenge so I knew what to expect visually. I decided the location would be moved slightly to avoid direct overhead mid day sunlight with all its shadows and contrast. I was determined to photograph this moment better than I did the year before and I already had this specific image in my mind. The bubbles were a magical surprise and to me they made the photo pop.”
“Watching my kids explore the world around them has reminded me to take things a little less seriously and try to experience the joy the way they do. This was a moment of pure and absolute joy – and having beautiful documentation of it brings me back to the scene, and the feelings that surrounded it. Seeing the resulting image gave me that satisfaction that you get when you know you really got the shot and I couldn't wait to share it with the world, and hang it on my wall for my family.”
Colby Brown
Photo by Colby Brown. Alpha 1 II. 600mm f/4 G Master.
“This photo was taken in Ranthambore National Park in India back in March of this year. Each morning and afternoon, I would take my workshop clients out on safaris in search of these incredible big cats. After spending decades exploring Africa, I have fallen in love with the wildlife of India and the surrounding countries.”
“Tigers are my favorite big cats in the world. There is something truly special about them. With this shot, I captured an incredible female tiger just after sunrise as she moved through the dry forest in Ranthambore National Park. Something about the soft light hitting her face as she moved between the trees caught my eye.”
David Burnett
Photo by David Burnett. RX10 IV.
“In the midst of the northward spring migration of millions of sand hill cranes, two birds sit in the North Platte River, near Grand Island, NE, pausing for a moment before restarting their epic flight.”
“I don’t see myself as much of a nature photographer, but I was struck by this quiet moment on the river, albeit within range of hundreds of thousands of very vocal cranes, and these two birds seemed to make the migration, apart from the masses of birds, simply about these two.”
Chris Burkard
Photo by Chris Burkard. Alpha 1 II. 14mm f/1.8 G Master.
“It was two o’clock in the morning with a full downpour of Pacific Northwest rains while mud pooled at our ankles with every step. This frame was captured while shooting for the new Mountains of The Moon film. A project of high caliber production with like minded creative professionals who shared a belief of what was possible. When every camera technicality and character trait is put to the test, working with a tight window and margin so slim, where preparation met instinct. Riding that tight line of a precise shutter, an ISO teetering the edge and an aperture narrow enough to hold the details. I would take advantage of the brief moments between the handful of attempts to refine my settings. A calculated scramble to meet the necessary metrics to capture this frame to the best of my ability. All while staying present enough to respond in the moment but staying patient to trust myself.”
“This is that now or never kind of image. The type of photograph that only comes to life when a dozen creative individuals come together and two dozen technicalities align in the right place at the right time. From the athletes being precisely in the correct spot to make it in frame, to walking that fine line of iso, shutter speed, and aperture. All while shooting in pitch darkness only to be illuminated by RGB lights, not only to meet the creative visual demands but the camera’s technical abilities too. I felt I was attempting to freeze a moment that barely wanted to exist. Now that it’s all said and done, this image feels like a hard earned victory. A kind of photographer's photograph, where years of capturing that ‘once in a lifetime’ moment meets years of knowledge; like two professional dancers coming together to do the tango.”
Jacob Chamseddine
Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong. Photo by Jacob Chamseddine. Alpha 1. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master.
“On set for Green Day's One Eyed Bastard Music Video. I had all day to document some behind the scene imagery but this one image of Billie really stood out to me. In between takes Billie had sat down on the floor with his guitar next to him and I had a brief moment to capture this one.”
“It is special to be trusted in moments like this. Behind the scenes photography can be a sensitive situation, so to be allowed into this space was very special.”
Jeremy Cohen
Photo by Jeremy Cohen. Alpha 1. 85mm f/1.4 G Master.
“I was watching the marathon from a friend’s apartment and asked if I could go up to the roof to shoot. From there, I saw this natural frame of trees surrounding the runners. I got a couple of good shots, but it felt like something was missing and wanted to take advantage of this unique perspective I had the privilege to shoot from, so that’s when I started panning my Alpha 1 at the runners’ speed with a slower shutter, and was hyped with this result.”
“I photograph the NYC Marathon every year, but this image stayed with me. Seeing the race from this angle gave it a different energy and even without seeing faces, I can feel so much by looking at it. The themes of rhythm, movement, the pulse of new yorkers. As a former marathon runner myself, it resonates with me because it captures what the race felt like from the inside.”
Gina Danza
Photo by Gina Danza. Alpha 7R V. 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master.
“I was creating macro art with some sleeping bees in the Vermont countryside. My arms and legs got heavy and needed a break. I looked up to see this scene in the short distance from me and my eyes lit up. Simple yet elegant- it described an autumn scene. Its warmth to the different textures and colors of autumn coming together - I capture this shot without intention and more so of remembering a moment that I would never want to forget during my time in Vermont in October.”
“Autumn is my favorite season and I have always been in search of creating images that engulfed me into the season especially since I no longer live in the northeast. I grew up with falling leaves and the warmth of the season. Now, in California - I feel like I need to pocket these moments for myself in photos. As an intimate landscape photographer - I felt like this moment was a true reflection of what intimacy in nature is. And, everytime I look at it - I’m telling myself that this is my favorite image I took this year.”
Sal D’Alia
Photo by Sal D’Alia. RX1R III.
“This was shot on my first outing with the Sony RX1R III, high above the city at The Edge. There’s something about it that feels like an old New York print, even though it’s a modern moment—one more layer in a city that’s always evolving.”
“This image stands out to me because it captures a rare balance between past and present. It feels like an old New York print, yet I know it was made in a very specific, modern moment, It reminds me why I love photography: the ability to freeze a moment that will never exist again, even in a place that feels endlessly familiar. This photo marks both a personal beginning and a reminder that New York is always becoming something new.”
Zabrina Deng
Photo by Zabrina Deng. RX1R III.
"I wanted to challenge myself to create a bold fashion editorial using the smallest possible camera while still delivering the highest image quality. With the pocket sized Sony RX1R III, which allowed me to stay agile, present, and creatively focused without the physical fatigue that often comes with heavier gear for shooting the entire day. One of the most powerful features of the RX1R III is its leaf shutter, which enables flash synchronization up to 1/2000-sec. This gave me precise control over how much ambient light to preserve or eliminate while shaping the scene with flash.
For lighting, I used a Sony HVL-F60RM2 Flash connected via PC cable to a radio receiver, mounted on a light stand and shot through a large parabolic umbrella with diffusion. Positioned approximately five feet from the subject at a forty five degree angle, the light remained soft and flattering while preserving the fine details of the garment and the textures within the Chinatown kitchen. To enhance the ambient mood of the space, I added a Rotolight NEO 3 Pro LED with a yellow gel on the left side of the model. This introduced warmth and depth to the background while maintaining the authenticity of a working kitchen environment.
The creative direction I gave the model was simple and intentional. She is in control of this space. She is a seasoned chef who moves with confidence and precision. She knows this craft so well she could do it with even holding the knife unconventionally while chopping. And then that moment happened."
“This photograph was created in San Francisco Chinatown in collaboration with fashion designer Brandin Vaughn, ahead of his KarlArtSF runway debut. For me, it represents the joyous intersection of cultures, where fashion, food, and history & different ethnicities coexist in the same space. Chinatown kitchens carry generations of knowledge, labor, and preservation, and I wanted to honor that lineage while placing it in a contemporary fashion context. Her gaze and grip speak to power and autonomy. In a traditionally male-dominated kitchen, she stands fully in control — feminine, grounded, and unapologetic. This image is not about provocation, but about presence: who holds space, who holds craft, and who gets to be seen."
Andrew Eggers
Photo by Andrew Eggers. Alpha 1. 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master.
“My friend, Rickey, invited me on a portrait shoot with his friend, Anthony, in downtown Sacramento one night. This shot was on our walk back to the car and I just thought the scene looked great especially with all the bokeh in the background with Tower bridge.”
“I think it's my favorite image because I don't normally shoot portraiture very much and just happened to be out with a couple friends who are into it. It certainly opened up my creativity some, and gave me more confidence to take photos of people more often.”
Katrin Eismann
Photo by Katrin Eismann. Alpha 1 II. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“Experiencing people of faith is fascinating, grounding, and inspiring. Traveling in Turkey exposed me to a modern country rooted in centuries of conquest, religion, and culture. I had always wanted to photograph the whirling dervish ceremony and I approached the scene with a slow shutter and wide-angle to capture the ecstasy of movement.”
“With one image I have learned about faith, meditation, and movement. I learned that the central figure in black at the center of the Sama ceremony is the Postnişin (or Sheikh/master of the semazen), and the black cloak (hırka) he and the other dervishes wear at the start of the ceremony symbolizes the grave of the ego. I love how photography can teach, expand, and deepen our appreciation and understanding of the world.”
Sara France
Photo by Sara France. Alpha 1. 50-150mm f/2 G Master.
"This image was captured during an intimate elopement in Lake Tahoe using the Alpha 1 paired with the 50-150mm f/2 G Master, shot wide open at f/2. While I had scouted locations ahead of time, the final moment came together spontaneously when the groom spotted a roadside lookout and we quickly realized it was accessible within our timeline.
I had both the 28-70mm f/2 G Master and the 50-150mm f/2 G Master with me, but I chose the 50-150mm specifically for this scene. From my shooting position on an adjacent hilltop, I knew compression would be key to simplifying the frame and isolating the couple within the landscape. The longer focal length allowed me to stack layers of pine trees, lake and distant mountains while maintaining a clean, natural perspective.
I positioned the couple on a naturally placed log between the trees and climbed higher to create elevation and separation. Shooting at 150mm and f2.0 delivered pronounced subject isolation and smooth, controlled bokeh, even in a dense forest environment. The Alpha 1 handled the scene effortlessly, delivering exceptional detail, dynamic range, and autofocus reliability so I could focus entirely on composition and timing.
This photograph is a clear example of how intentional lens choice paired with the performance of the Alpha 1 allows for precise execution, even when the opportunity itself is unexpected."
"This image is my favorite photograph I took this year because weddings of any size carry a completely new meaning for me after having my own wedding earlier this year. Experiencing that day firsthand reshaped how I see weddings and deepened my appreciation for how intentional and emotionally rich they can be.
This photograph is also deeply personal because of who this couple is to me. The bride is one of my team photographers and a dear friend who has been part of our team for years. I have watched her relationship with her now husband grow over time, and being trusted to document their Lake Tahoe elopement felt incredibly meaningful. It was less about photographing a moment and more about honoring a story I care deeply about.
Their love is adventurous and grounded, and this location felt like a true reflection of that connection. On the hike up, she shared that this was already one of her favorite moments of the day and she had always dreamed of hiking to a mountaintop for her wedding. Being there to witness that dream unfolding, surrounded by layers of natural beauty she would truly appreciate, is what makes this image so powerful to me.
This photograph represents everything I love about weddings of any size. Intention, connection, adventure, and trust. It is a reminder of why these stories matter and why I feel so honored to tell them."
Jason Frankle
Photo by Jason Frankle. Alpha 7R IV. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master.
“I captured this image while surfing with my brother at sunset. When we got out of the water, I noticed the clouds forming a defined pattern and the low tide creating reflections, so I quickly went to my car to grab my camera and got close to the water to capture the reflection. I framed the surfer as the subject in the center and used the clouds and their reflections as leading lines to guide the viewer to the subject before the light changed.”
“This is my favorite image I took this year because I love capturing photos by the ocean and working close to the water. Living in Los Angeles, I am fortunate to be near the ocean, something many people do not get to experience regularly. The ocean is constantly changing, which means every visit offers something different, and that dynamic nature keeps it interesting and keeps me coming back. Sharing that moment with my brother and catching the timing and cloud patterns made this image especially meaningful.”
Jean Fruth
Photo by Jean Fruth. Alpha 1 II. 600mm f/4 G Master.
“I captured this photo during Game 3 of the 2025 World Series from a low center-field position—a vantage point rarely used during the regular season. Shooting with a 600mm f/4 lens from that spot allowed me to capture both the action and reaction of the player and the fans in a single frame.”
“This is my favorite image of the year because it captures Shohei Ohtani’s seventh-inning home run that tied the game for the Dodgers in Game 3 of The World Series, a moment that helped set the stage for a historic 18-inning walk-off win. It’s meaningful to me not just because of the drama of the game, but because opportunities to document true sports history are rare. Photographing a generational superstar like Ohtani, someone who is actively redefining the sport with unprecedented talent, makes this image feel like a small piece of baseball history I was lucky enough to preserve.”
Tony Gale
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7CR. 20-70mm f/4 G.
“I was wandering through the forest and heard a plop in the nearby stream. I went over to take a look and see this green frog peeking out of the water. The frog was very calm so I tried a lot of things and liked this the best.”
“This photo helps me remember the importance of nature and publicly accessible local land.”
Drew Geraci
Photo by Drew Geraci. Alpha 1 II. 50mm f/1.2 G Master.
“Visiting Biltmore Estate was one of my bucket list items to achieve this year and when the opportunity to both visit and photograph it for an assignment came up, I jumped at the chance! Without a doubt this is my favorite architectural structure in the US and I'm so happy to have gotten to photograph it. “
“For me, filming in the fall, with the warm colors of the changing leaves and vibrancy of the landscape all culminated when I was able to capture Biltmore Estate as the sun dipped behind the mountains. It brought peace to my mind after a very long and difficult 2025. Things are looking brighter now and this image brought so much joy to my heart.”
Melissa Groo
Photo by Melissa Groo. Alpha 1 II. 600mm f/4 G Master.
“I was standing on a ladder in deep forest on the Flathead Indian Reservation in the Mission Valley of Montana. On assignment for Audubon magazine, I was photographing a Great Gray Owl family in their nest at the top of a dead tree.”
“I loved this photo because everything came together. The mom had just fed the chicks, and was pausing before leaving to hunt again. The chicks were fed and happy, and the smaller one was nestled up under the chin of the larger one. It was a very sweet tableau.”
Michael Hollender
Photo by Michael Hollender. Alpha 7CR. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“The days and months go by and so changes the position of the sun in the sky along the concrete jungle of NYC. From Brooklyn looking west I patiently tracked the days as the sun set behind Manhattan. With a clear sky I dug up my solar filter that’s been hibernating since the 2017 Solar Eclipse. With the world’s most famous building in my frame I knew its silhouette would make for an easy ID! Any guesses?”
“Time with my camera is time spent outdoors and in the moment. For weeks I took note of the sun's position during sunset and each day brought me closer to the photo I had in mind. The hunt for this photo was exhilarating and memorable!”
Jermaine Horton
Photo by Jermaine Horton. Alpha 1. 300mm f/2.8 G Master.
“My son normally plays 2nd base or 1st base but our pitcher got injured and we had no other pitchers available so now in my son goes. First time pitching he throws two strikeouts and retires the side to give us a win. This is him getting into his wind up to deliver the final strike.”
“So all year I have been focusing on couples for weddings and professional athletes that cherish their own memories but when it comes to my son, I'm his #1 fan. The biggest thing for me is giving my children experiences that I give my pro athletes I cover so they can have bragging rights , memories and me a smile on my heart forever. In a world where we work in this industry to satisfy our clients one of the biggest things I had to learn to do was make sure I make time and pour my artistry into my own kids as well. They say when you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”
Quay Hu
Photo by Quay Hu. Alpha 1. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master.
"Coming from Florida, where the shoreline is mostly flat and familiar, standing in front of towering cliffs like this felt unreal. Watching the sun sink low in the sky, painting everything in soft gold and warm pastels, made the moment feel even more special. The waves crashed into the rocks with perfect timing. Powerful, rhythmic, and dramatic in a way I’d never experienced before. Shooting in burst mode allowed me to capture that exact split second when the ocean exploded against the cliffs, freezing a moment of beauty and awe that felt completely new and unforgettable."
"This photo means so much to me because it captures my daughter experiencing San Diego for the very first time. A moment of discovery, freedom, and growth. Seeing her take in life along the beautiful coast reminds me how big the world is and how special it is to watch your child step into it with curiosity and joy. It’s more than a place or a picture. It’s a memory of her living fully in a moment I’ll always hold close."
Steven Irby
Photo by Steven Irby. Alpha 7R III.
“This was when the Knicks won the second round series of the playoffs this year. The first time reaching it this far in over a decade. I found this opportunity amongst the celebration of this moment that kind of encapsulates all of the feels of that night and just that pure joy and hope we have as a city now.”
“This one is special to me because of not only what the Knicks mean to me but what it means for the city. It’s one of those rare moments and it’s hard to say that in New York but with this everyone celebrated. The love and joy and hope that everyone can identify with at this time is truly special, and I’m grateful I was able to capture that piece of history.”
Dane Isaac
Photo by Dane Isaac. Alpha 7R V. 28-70mm f/2 G Master.
“I captured this photo of the model (Ally) using natural light and a small reflector on the side to bring light to the face and eyes. We had these beautiful pines silhouetted as a backdrop and the benefit of a large opening with great footing so we could add some movement to the wardrobe.”
“This image was taken during Sony Kando 2025, and it was such a much-needed trip for me. Most of my photography for the year prior had been very personal or for clients where I didn't have much control or also can't share. This image represents the freedom to create in a way that I haven't had the chance to in some time.”
Gregg Jaden
Photo by Gregg Jaden. Alpha 7R V. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“I wanted to place a fashion-forward portrait inside a landscape that felt raw and untouched, letting contrast do the storytelling. The deep red dress was chosen to cut cleanly through the earth tones, creating tension between refinement and terrain. To make it happen, we were up at 2 a.m., traveled by Jeep, then hiked through the jungle in the dark to reach a remote ridgeline I had scouted specifically for its scale and isolation.”
"This image stands out because it preserves the scale of the landscape while pulling you into a quiet, personal moment. You still feel how massive the environment is, but the connection comes from awareness and presence, not pose. Getting that level of intimacy outdoors, without it feeling staged. The lighting was dramatically on my side that morning. This is the balance I’m always chasing. The location does its job without overpowering the subject, and the subject grounds the frame without performing for it. It feels calm, intentional, and timeless."
Andy Katz
Photo by Andy Katz. Alpha 7R V. 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G.
“I was in Worcester, Massachusetts on a boat and the sunset was insane when we passed an old rusty boat and its reflection. The image literally came to me. Abstract beauty in a year we needed any beauty we could get.”
Matt Kloskowski
Photo by Matt Kloskowski. Alpha 1 II. 600mm f/4 G Master.
“While on a boat on a small lake in Florida we came across some great wildlife opportunities. The boat allows for a much closer and more active view of the birds and wildlife on the lake.”
“Snail kites are illusive and tough to photograph up close. A group of them were in a nearby tree and we had the opportunity to wait in our boat while they made multiple passes to catch snails from the water.”
Scott Kranz
Photo by Scott Kranz. Alpha 1. 600mm f/4 G Master.
“While on assignment in the Yellowstone area, we spotted this majestic bald eagle perched at the top of a tree near Yellowstone Lake. Initially shooting from the road, I noticed the near-full moon closer to the horizon, so I ascended an embankment opposite from the perched eagle to create this alignment of wildlife and moon.”
“It was a fulfilling combination of luck, strategy, and skill, combined with an awesome moment in nature.”
Kesha Lambert
Photo by Kesha Lambert. Alpha 9 III. 50mm f/1.2 G Master.
“This photo is a part of a personal passion project that I started this year. This took place on a random weekday. My friend and I decided on a whim to go to the beach for a creative collaboration. Using items she found around her home to style the concept, planning was very much in the moment.”
“This is my favorite image of 2025 because it reminds me why I love photography as an art form. It reminds me that I don't have to do extensive planning or a big production to create something beautiful. We can simply go outside with one camera in hand and create something just because we feel inspired, because we're curious, or for no reason at all.”
Neil Leifer
Photo by Neil Leifer. Alpha 1. 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master.
“Every once and while everything goes exactly the way you hope it would go. Steeplechase racing is always exciting to photograph but you don't always get the horses where you hope them to be and you certainly don't always get a magnificent sky with clouds. So this is my favorite picture because everything went right with the composition and the exciting action. The picture was taken with a Sony remote with the Alpha 1 set at 21mm.”
Scott Robert Lim
Photo by Scott Robert Lim. Alpha 9 III. 16-25mm f/2.8 G.
“I was in Havana, Cuba, backstage in a beautiful old theater, standing on scaffolding when I noticed the overhead lights casting incredible light onto my ballerina friend. I directed her to turn her nose toward the light and placed a Sony HVL-F46RM flash behind her to create a subtle rim light. This wasn’t a planned shot – it unfolded naturally, like many of my images do. I simply followed the light and worked from there, relying on my systematic approach. In that moment, everything came together, and I created something that felt truly special to me.”
“I wanted to create a meaningful image for my friend, a ballerina living in Havana, Cuba. I never planned to photograph backstage, but sometimes the best moments reveal themselves when you least expect them. This image reminded me that your next favorite photograph can come from the most ordinary places – as long as you stay open, aware and ready for possibility.”
Vince Lim
Photo by Vince Lim. Alpha 1 II. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“I took this photo to the Yi Peng Lantern festival in Chiang Mai using the Alpha 1 II and 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. Every year this festival happens to honor Buddha, release bad luck, and welcome good fortune in the new year. I was lucky enough to get elevated seats, and at a wide angle, tried to capture as many lantern releases in the frame.”
Nate Luebbe
Timelapse by Nate Luebbe. Alpha 1 II. 16mm f/1.8 G. Read more in Behind The Shot: An Arctic Moonlit Rainbow & Northern Lights Timelapse.
"This was our first night in Norway. We were extremely jet-lagged and had already fallen asleep at 5 p.m. After waking up around 9 p.m., I thought to check outside, just in case the aurora was happening. To my surprise, I saw it with my naked eye and immediately rushed to set up my camera. I basically blew the door off its hinges to get Autumn, my partner, out of bed to see it with me.”
Andy Mann
Photo by Andy Mann. Alpha 1. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master.
“I brought my 10 year old daughter, Josie, on her first ocean conservation expedition in November to the very remote and isolated, Juan Fernandez Islands - 600km off the coast of Chile. We were there to tell the story of the once-considered extinct, Juan Fernandez Fur Seal, whose rediscovery in 1965 had led to an amazing conservation and repopulation efforts. I loaded my Sony a1 and 16-35 GM lens into my housing and jumped in with her to capture this shot of her free-diving down amongst the playful marine mammals.”
“I've spent the entirety of my daughter's life, traveling around the world, protecting our oceans. This marks the first assignment that we have done together, just the two of us. It's an image of hope, not only for the success of the once-considered extinct endemic fur seal, but a sense of hope that her generation will carry the torch of conservation. It's a proud papa moment for sure!”
Peter McBride
Photo by Peter McBride. Alpha 1. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master.
“I was in Cuba documenting a cultural exchange program with world class musicians and teenagers. Students from Cuba met up with kids from New Orleans, none of whom had been out of the U.S. before, and came together to play music. This dancing scene arrived after the teachers and kids decided to walk through the streets of Havana, playing their instruments loudly and carefree. The pure joy of this musical moment will stay with me for a long time.”
“In light of current politics, this Cuban cultural exchange program that typically takes place every year was recently cancelled. This moment of musical joy was a rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience for those American and Cuban kids and thus a favorite for me in 2025. These young people were connecting through music and dance across cultural, linguistic and political divides, showing how we are more alike than we are divided.”
David McLain
Photo by David McLain. Alpha 1. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“On the final day of a two-week sailing canoe voyage through the Hawaiian Islands, we set out at dawn from Sunset Beach, Oahu for the 90 mile crossing to Hanalei Bay in Kauai.”
“This voyage was an opportunity to connect with the ocean and ancient Polynesian culture – two things I love.”
Mike Meyers
Photo by Mike Meyers. Alpha 1. 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master.
“I was in Florida for a photography job, staying at a property that was next to a cypress tree swamp and I wanted to get out on the water to shoot the fog and the trees with early-morning light. Unfortunately, the tour boats didn't run until after 10:30am, so I had to ask if there was any way for someone to come in early (7am) and take me out on a boat meant for about 30+ people so I could get my shots. I was lucky enough to get someone to agree to take me, and the conditions were absolutely perfect. We came around the corner where the river opened up a bit and in the distance I could see this cormorant, wings out, facing the sun to dry its feathers--right next to a cluster of beautiful backlit cypress trees.”
“This is my favorite image for a few reasons - I really like the shot itself. But I'd been wanting to shoot cypress trees in the fog at sunrise for a few years now, and I was finally able to do it. And more importantly, it was a result of a complete stranger being kind enough to get up early and give me a personal tour of the river at a time when almost no one ever gets to see it. It was special to be somewhere that few people have been, and also another example of an experience I wouldn't have had if it wasn't for photography. I ended up sharing the shot with the guide and he liked it so much that I sent him a framed print as a thank you for his generosity.”
Cristina Mittermeier
Photo by Cristina Mittermeier. Alpha 1. 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G.
“This piece was created in Segera, a private conservancy in northern Kenya where the ancient rhythms of the African savannah unfold in golden silence. The image captures a solitary leopard sitting alone on an asutere branch—a moment of wild grace that speaks to my desire to bear witness to the poetry of the natural world.”
“There is something otherworldly about the way leopards occupy space, as if they’re somehow exempt from the laws of gravity. What struck me most in this scene was its simplicity: the clean lines, the texture of the cat’s fur, and the way it sat, as if posing. The entire moment reminded me of the scientific illustrations I used to pore over in old books as a child. Like a tableau lifted from the pages of an early explorer’s journal, sketched partly in the moment and partly from memory.”
Stan Moniz
Photo by Stan Moniz. Alpha 9 III. 50mm f/1.4 G Master.
“I shot this at 120 frames per second on the Alpha 9 III, knowing the moment I was waiting for would be brief. That speed gave me the freedom to stay present in the water and trust the camera to keep up with what I was seeing and feeling. This frame is the result of patience, repetition, and a deep respect for how quickly the ocean can reveal special moments in the blink of an eye.”
“This image was made at first light during one of the best south swells of the year. I have photographed this wave many times over the years, but that morning everything aligned. The light skimmed across the face just right, revealing texture, motion, and fleeting golden reflections that mirrored the surrounding landscape itself.”
Monaris
Photo by Monaris. Alpha 1 II. 28-70mm f/2.8 G Master.
“Captured in India early in the morning as the day began to wake up. The light was soft, the river calm, and for a short window, everything aligned.”
“This image feels like a deep exhale. It reminds me why I travel, why I slow down, and why I photograph in the first place. It’s quiet, layered, and full of life all at once and it holds a moment I’ll never experience the same way again.”
Patrick Murphy-Racey
Photo by Patrick Murphy-Racey. Alpha 9 III. 28-70mm f/2 G Master. 1/1000-sec., f/2, ISO 250
"This image would never have been possible without the global shutter in the revolutionary Alpha 9 III. I love to shoot on strobes for college hoops and this image was shot at 1/1000-sec. at f/2 with the 28-70mm f/2 G Master lens. I used four Westcott FJ400 units to light up the entire court. The quality you get from using strobes in sports is unmatched to available light. But to synchronize with strobes, focal plane shutters have been stuck at 1/250-sec. for four decades, until the Alpha 1 gave us 1/400-sec., and then the Alpha 9 III took the ceiling out for good."
"Sony has been my silent partner for over 10 years now, feeding me with the sharpest lenses I've ever used, and the cameras have been unmatched. Being out front as a shooter means using the best possible equipment for every assignment and Sony helps me stay out front with new technologies never seen before in gear."
Paul Nicklen
Photo by Paul Nicklen. Alpha 1. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.
"Craig, one of the last great tuskers, towers over me, his ears lifted toward the sky. I felt the weight of doing justice to his immense presence, beauty, and calm demeanor as one of Amboseli’s most legendary elephants. Although the time I spent in Amboseli was shorter than I would have liked, it only took a moment to fall in love with its wildlife. It was the first time in my life that I truly got to spend time in the company of elephants. No two personalities were alike and nothing could have prepared me for the deep attachment I felt for each one I photographed."
“Africa’s iconic wildlife has long been immortalized by visionary photographers whose images have shaped global awareness and conservation efforts. It is a true honor to finally explore the continent through my own lens and walk in the path of giants, both literal and figurative.”
Greg Noire
Photo by Greg Noire. Alpha 1 II. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“This was a bit of a tough show to shoot. Even a normal halftime has a lot of moving parts. This one felt like a mix of Tetris and ballet. Navigating remote-controlled cameras, ducking out of the way of jibs, making sure I'm avoiding dancers, and staying clear of camera ops wasn’t easy. Especially while trying not to step on a light, block a shot, or cast a shadow across the field from the myriad of lights spread from end to end. Thankfully, rehearsals made all the difference. They gave me just enough room to anticipate the chaos, choose the appropriate gear and land the shot that became my favorite of the year. Maybe even of all time. It’s a special one.”
“This shot means everything to me because, as a music photographer, you always strive to photograph the biggest music-related events, and it doesn’t get any bigger than the this game. Couple that with the fact that I’m working with my favorite rapper of all time makes this legendary moment even more special.”
Chris Orwig
Kid Cudi. Photo by Chris Orwig. Alpha 7R V. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“This is a portrait of celebrity Kid Cudi. Getting a chance to connect with Kid Cudi (Scott) for a mental health movement we are launching, and he is supporting. Super rad!”
Renan Ozturk
Photo by Renan Ozturk. Alpha 1 II. 24-105mm f/4 G.
“On a remote glacier in Iceland shooting world class ice climbers. Most of the challenge of getting the shot was finding the right glacier and collaborating with Icelandic locals to find something that was not going to collapse in the early season.”
“In terms of ice climbing, you don’t normally see this type of ice mixed with ash as well as ancient glacier ice. It’s like a look back in geologic time also combined with modern world class climbing.”
Mickey Pierre-Louis
Photo by Mickey Pierre-Louis. Alpha 7R V. 35mm f/1.4 G Master.
“During Kando Seattle, I noticed the model was wearing the same pants I had lol I ran over and we clicked instantly. We focused less on the technical aspect and focused more on getting to know each other.”
“Something I'll never forget is the absolutely beautiful scenery and sunset glow in Seattle. It wasn't just a photograph. It was an exchange of two people getting to know one another. It's the very oath that makes photography last forever.”
Jérôme Poirier
Photo by Jérôme Poirier. Alpha 7 IV. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master.
“Photo taken at arguably the most picture perfect property around Kawaguchi-ko in Japan. The square window facing the iconic Mount Fuji perfectly frames the most famous natural landmark of Japan. This photo is meaningful to me, not because this photo is particularly "hard" or challenging to snap, but rather because it represents years efforts building up my luxury hotels and hospitality portfolio, to finally being able to shoot at one of the most desirable stays I've been wanting to shoot at, in my own country.”
Sapna Reddy
Photo by Sapna Reddy. Alpha 1. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master.
“Earlier this year I returned to the incredible cave system of Central Vietnam. Never imagined that one day I would be conducting a photography workshop 300 ft. underground! The unique experience involved hiking through lush tropical forest, entering secluded cave entrances, swimming through underground rivers and arriving at Nature's subterranean palaces decorated with incredible formations. We carried lights to illuminate the subterranean landscape and the scenery was nothing short of spectacular.”
“Last year I experienced a different part of this cave system when I did the Son Doong cave expedition. I wanted to bring a similar experience to others and offer the unique opportunity to photograph a landscape very few have the opportunity to view let alone photograph. This year I was able to take my clients to the Hang Va cave. The challenge of illuminating a landscape 300ft underground with the aim of creating compositions that convey a sense of that place was both interesting and demanding. It gave me the opportunity to improve myself both in the creative sense as well as to overcome fears and self doubt.”
Jess Santos
Photo by Jess Santos. Alpha 7S III. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.
"The foreground was taken during blue hour, then when it got dark enough to see the lantern I captured my bestie posing. And finally the night sky was taken well after dark. Every year we host Dark Sky Week, it’s a chance for fellow night photographers to come together under dark skies, learn about light pollution and make new friends. This was from the last night of Dark Sky Week this year and it was so cool to be able to create a scene in one of my favorite places with such a great group of fellow night sky photographers and enthusiasts. Can’t wait to see them all next year!"
Autumn Schrock
Photo by Autumn Schrock. Alpha 1 II. 600mm f/4 G Master.
“While on safari on the Chobe River, it was nearing sunset and a tower of giraffes wandered out onto a spit. We were in a boat, so the alignment was exceedingly difficult, but shoutout to our captain, Ray, who kept the walking giraffes lined up with the sun as it set behind them.”
“I took my first trip to Africa this year and it absolutely blew my mind. It had been a dream of mine to capture that majestic animal-silhouetted-against-the-giant-sun shot, and I can't believe that we were able to make it happen on my very first safari. This entire trip was one that I will never forget, and this moment was the cherry on top.”
Brooke Shaden
Photo by Brooke Shaden. Alpha 7R V. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“While visiting fellow Sony Artisans Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen on Vancouver Island, I whipped together this shoot featuring Paul and Cristina themselves (plus a pretty epic mermaid tail)! I donned a wetsuit and positioned myself in the freezing water with my Alpha 7R V. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II so I could shoot split, half underwater and half above.”
“This has been an idea that Cristina and I began collaborating on a couple of years ago. Through her friendship I have developed greater understanding and empathy for our planet and what plagues it. This image shows beauty in darkness - a mermaid caught in a net, and someone willing to reach in and help.”
Tobi Shinobi
Photo by Tobi Shinobi. Alpha 1 II. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“During the Chicago Marathon I found this spot with light. I waited until I saw a scene that made for a great image. I was inspired by people chasing their goals and reminded that I enjoy ‘chasing the light’. The irony was not lost on me.”
Monica Sigmon
Photo by Monica Sigmon. Alpha 7R V. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.
“I built a ‘wall of light’, bouncing strobes off the wall and back through two 4x8 diffusion panels to get a beautiful, soft, wrap-around lighting pattern.”
“This was my first time photographing these 13-year-old twins, and I wanted to make something that showed them as individuals and their relationship. This is such a sweet age, where we see the last traces of childhood and start to get a glimpse of the young adults they are becoming.”
Brian Smith
Photo by Brian Smith. Alpha 7R IV. 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II.
"Barcelona's Gaudi architecture has long been on my bucket list, on our way to Croatia, we made a stop in Barcelona which allowed me to photograph Sagrada Familia."
"My favorite vacation camera is and Infrared-modified Alpha 7R IV, because it allows me to capture images that reflect not just what I see - but how I feel while on vacation."
Fei Tang
Photo by Fei Tang. Alpha 7C II. 24-50mm f/2.8 G.
"I took this during the Temple burn at Burning Man earlier this year - moving on foot with a minimal kit so I could stay present. Out of all my bodies, I brought the Alpha 7C II since it’s small enough to pack easily but powerful enough to completely trust in low light situations such as this. I could pull it out, grab the shot without overthinking, and put it right back away as the fire rose."
"Even though it was my first time at Burning Man, it marked a real turning point for me, a new job, a big move within the city, and finally letting go of grief I had been carrying for a long time. People bring items from loved ones to honor them in the Temple, knowing it will all be burned during the closing of the Burn - for me that meant bringing my mom’s favorite teddy bear...which I have held onto since she passed. Watching the Temple burn (with the bear inside) felt like celebrating her life, releasing what I have been holding onto, and stepping forward knowing that she would be proud of everything I have built and where I am headed next."
Henry Tieu
Photo by Henry Tieu. Alpha 7 IV. 28-70mm f/2 G Master.
“This photo is from Hazel and Otto's vow renewal day. They got married in 2020 and because of the pandemic, they never had the wedding photos they had hoped for. For their 5-year anniversary, they chose to create that experience for themselves and hired me for this experience. They dreamed of wildflowers in the amazing landscapes we have here in Washington State, so we picked a date around peak bloom at Mt. Rainier National Park. For this photo, I wanted to highlight both Hazel and the mountain so I knew I needed to be ‘taller’ somehow. We hiked until we found a rock that I could climb on without stomping all over the meadows. It was a bit nerve wrecking trying to find a spot that would give me a good composition as we were running out of light. As we hiked, I could see the sun was about to go behind the mountain but somehow we made it.”
“This is my favorite image because of what happened just before I pressed the shutter. Knowing we were running out of light, I instinctively wanted to bring the couple together, but Otto gently stepped back, wanting Hazel to have a moment alone with the landscape herself. In that pause, I witnessed his love language unfold: presence, patience, and deep respect. I love it because this photo reminds me not just of the beauty that is surrounding us, but also how love moves.”
Shauna Wade
Photo by Shauna Wade. FX2. 50mm f/1.4 G Master.
“This shot was taken at Kando. The sun was setting… so the soft light gave the perfect ambiance for the mood I was going for – soft and subtle.”
It’s my favorite because everything came together just right: the light, the setting, the model, the mood. The perfect combo.”
See the images divided up into themes in our five-part series:
- Part 1: Portrait & Wedding Photography
- Part 2: Bird & Wildlife Photography
- Part 3: Outdoor, Adventure, Landscape & Nature Photography
- Part 4: Travel & Street Photography
- Part 5: Sports Photography & Special Moments
Thank you for another great year in the Alpha Universe. See you in 2026!
