Curitiba’s André Tezza earns 3rd place in the Latin America Professional Award with a touching photo essay on local neighborhood markets.
Photographer André Tezza, from Curitiba, has won third place in the 2026 Latin America Professional Award, part of the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards. His series Mercadinhos documents the life and resilience of small local markets, celebrating their cultural and architectural richness amid the urban sprawl.
Through emotional and precise imagery, Tezza portrays these corner shops as symbols of community and endurance, resisting the dominance of large retail chains. The project elevates everyday beauty often overlooked in the city’s outskirts.
Now in its seventh edition, the Latin America Professional Award honors regional photographers who submit series of 5–10 images to the professional category. This year’s first place went to Mexican photographer Citlali Fabián, followed by Ecuador’s María Fernanda García.
As part of his prize, Tezza will receive Sony Digital Imaging equipment and travel to London for the official award ceremony. The winners of the Student, Youth, Open, and Professional categories will be announced on April 16, and all selected works will be exhibited at Somerset House from April 17 to May 4.
Event Info
- Event: Sony World Photography Awards 2026
- Awards ceremony: April 16, 2026
- Exhibition: April 17 – May 4, Somerset House, London
- Awarded photographer: André Tezza (Curitiba, Brazil)
- Series: Mercadinhos
