Scottish Photographer's Smartphone Image Wins Prestigious Sony Award
Robby Ogilvie, a photographer from Edinburgh, has clinched the Object category at the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 with a striking image titled 'Colour Divides'. The photograph was captured using a Google Pixel 6 smartphone during a visit to Cape Town, South Africa, showcasing a sky-blue Ford Cortina parked against the brightly coloured houses of the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood.
Instant Recognition of a Compelling Scene
Ogilvie described the moment he encountered the scene as one of immediate clarity. "As soon as I saw it, I knew the image," he explained. "I could visualise how it would fit within the frame, with the colours, the road, and the deep, uninterrupted blue of the sky all coming together to hold the composition perfectly." The Ford Cortina, affectionately known locally as 'Cortie', is a familiar sight in the area, though Ogilvie was unaware of this at the time of shooting.
Exploring Bo-Kaap's Vibrant Community and History
During his trip, Ogilvie spent time in Kruger National Park photographing culture, landscapes, and wildlife before moving on to Cape Town. Accompanied by a South African friend, he visited Bo-Kaap, an area renowned for its vividly painted houses and rich, complex history. "There was a palpable sense of community," Ogilvie noted. "Many houses felt like open studios, with artists using the spaces to exhibit and sell their work, adding to the neighbourhood's creative atmosphere."
Reflecting on Urban Divisions Through Photography
After capturing the award-winning shot, Ogilvie and his friend visited the V&A Waterfront, which he described as "very different – modern and upscale" compared to Bo-Kaap. This contrast led him to reflect on the divisions within the city, a theme that inspired the title 'Colour Divides'. "In a country shaped by both visible and invisible lines, it's hard to ignore how space can simultaneously connect and separate people," he remarked, highlighting the deeper social commentary behind the image.
Exhibition Details and Broader Context
The winning photograph will be featured in the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 exhibition at Somerset House in London, running from 17 April to 4 May. This achievement underscores the growing capability of smartphone photography in professional competitions, with Ogilvie's work standing out in the Open Competition's Object category. His success follows other notable phone photography features, such as Phil Stockbridge's image of a Cadillac in Los Angeles, further emphasising the medium's artistic potential.
