Wings of Southeast Asia PORTRAITS IN FOCUS

About Wings of Southeast Asia: Sony Bird Photography Contest

Wings of Southeast Asia, Sony's Bird Photography Contest, celebrates the birds, stories and moments that inspire birders and photographers across Southeast Asia. Through three unique themes, participants are invited to share memorable encounters, striking bird portraits and extraordinary moments in flight while connecting with a community that shares a passion for nature and wildlife.

Learn more about the contest here. 

CONTEST THEME: Portraits in Focus (Open Category)
 

Every bird has a story. Tell it through your lens.

Portraits of Southeast Asia celebrate the beauty, character and diversity of birds found across the region. From striking colours and intricate details to expressive behaviour and unique habitats, this category invites photographers to create compelling portraits that reveal something special about their subject.

Submit your favourite bird portrait and include a short story behind the image based on “The Story Behind the Portrait”. Share what makes the bird or sighting special and how your photograph captures its character, beauty or connection to its surroundings.

We’re looking for compelling portraits that bring the bird’s character and its connection to the environment to life, and tell a meaningful story. Photographs taken with any camera brand are accepted. 

Contest Period
26 October – 7 December 2026.

Prizes
-1 Grand Winner: Alpha 7R VI + FE 400mm F4.5 GM
-10 Honourable Mentions: Exclusive Sony Premium Gifts 

Who can enter
Open to camera users of any brand. 

Entry requirements
- Submit your best bird portrait.
- Include a short story behind the image based on "The Story Behind the Portrait". Share what makes this bird or sighting special and how your photo captures its character, beauty or connection to its surroundings.

Accepted equipment
- Cameras of any brand

Judging criteria 
Entries will be evaluated on:
- Composition & creativity
- Originality of Narrative
All decisions made by the organiser (Sony) and judges are final.

What we're looking for 
Show us more than just a beautiful bird. Reveal its character, behaviour, habitat or the story behind the moment to create a portrait that leaves a lasting impression.

Results announcement
From 21 Dec 2026 
Winners will be notified via email, with the results also announced on Sony’s social media platforms.

Terms & Conditions
- Only 1 entry per theme is allowed. 
- Only JPEG and JPG files are eligible.
- Each photo must not exceed 10MB
- Photo submitted should have EXIF data intact.