London, April 17 – Sixteen-year-old Daniel Dian-Ji Wu from Taiwan has captured the world’s attention after being named Youth Photographer of the Year at the 2025 Sony World Photography Awards. His winning image, titled Eclipse of Motion, reflects both his creative eye and his passion for storytelling through photography.
The photograph was taken in the summer of 2024 at Venice Beach Skatepark in Los Angeles, during the golden hour. It shows a skateboarder caught mid-air, silhouetted perfectly against the glowing sunset sky. The shot blends action with atmosphere, creating a sense of freedom and movement. Wu explained that the image made him feel “a sense of passion and freedom,” and he wanted to capture both the raw energy of skateboarding and the beauty of the natural light around him.
The judges selected Wu’s work from submissions by 10 other talented young finalists. The youth competition at the Sony World Photography Awards is open to photographers aged 19 and under, and it often highlights fresh perspectives and emerging talents. Wu, who studies at Kang Chiao International School in New Taipei, Taiwan, has been practicing photography for the past seven years. For someone so young, this recognition is a remarkable milestone.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named Youth Photographer of the Year,” Wu said after receiving the award in London on April 16. “I feel beyond excited and grateful. Photography has been a huge part of my life for the past seven years, so this means so much to me, not just as recognition, but as a reminder of why I love what I do. It opens doors to new opportunities and connections, which makes the journey ahead even more meaningful.”
Wu accepted the award during a black-tie ceremony in London, where he stood proudly next to his photograph. His work went on display at the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition at Somerset House, one of London’s most prestigious cultural venues. The exhibition ran until May 5, showcasing more than 300 prints and hundreds of digital images from around the world. For Wu, sharing space with some of the most respected names in photography was both humbling and inspiring.
The Sony World Photography Awards, launched in 2007, is organized by the World Photography Organisation and is considered one of the largest and most respected photography competitions in the world. It includes multiple categories for professional, open, student, and youth photographers. Each year, the competition receives hundreds of thousands of entries, reflecting the diversity and creativity of photographers worldwide.
This year’s edition also honored other outstanding talents. Zed Nelson, a London-based photographer, won the prestigious Photographer of the Year award, while renowned American documentary photographer Susan Meiselas received the Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award for her lifelong impact on the field.
Wu’s achievement stands out not only because of his age but also because of the emotional depth in his work. His photo Eclipse of Motion goes beyond simply documenting a scene, it tells a story of youth, energy, and freedom. The silhouetted skater against the fading sun reminds viewers of the fleeting but powerful moments that photography can preserve.
For Wu, this recognition is only the beginning. At just 16, he already dreams of using photography to connect with people across cultures and to explore different parts of the world. “This award gives me confidence to continue pursuing my passion,” he said. “I want to keep learning, keep experimenting, and keep telling stories through my camera.”
As he continues his journey, Wu serves as an inspiration to other young creatives around the globe. His win shows that age is no barrier to artistic excellence and that sometimes, a single photograph can capture the world’s imagination.
With Eclipse of Motion, Daniel Dian-Ji Wu has not only earned the title of Youth Photographer of the Year but also a place among the rising stars of global photography.
