Youth Photographer of the Year Daniel-Dian-Ji Wu

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.

- Yashmitha Sritheran

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 midair, 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.