American photographer, David Zimmerman has won the prestigious top prize at the Sony World Photography Awards and has been named its ‘Photographer of the Year.’ He won the US$25,000 prize for his entry into the Landscape category of the legendary competition.

The winning picture “Desert” shows the Southwest desert in the US, a subject he is extremely passionate about. He explains, “my documentation of these remarkable deserts throughout Arizona, New Mexico, California and Nevada continues in an effort to influence preservation through public awareness, opinion and action.”

The honorary judging committee’s spokesperson, Bruce Davidson, praised Zimmerman’s photography for being relevant to our times of climate change, adding, “both image and meaning coincide in the imagery of photographer David Zimmerman. In his sensuous sharp focus, we become more aware of where we are as humans in the drifting sands of time."

Zimmerman received his award at a huge ceremony held on 16 April 2009 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes alongside nine other professional winners. Vincent Foong of Singapore won the accolade of Sony World Photography Awards Amateur Photographer of the Year.

If you fancy yourself as a budding photographer and need a good start, have a look at our beginners and enthusiasts DVD.