The American photographer’s entry in the Landscape category beat off stiff competition from some of the world’s finest photographers to win the esteemed title, accompanied by a $25, 000 cash prize along with Sony camera equipment. His winning landscape series ‘Desert’ hauntingly depicts the American southwest desert environment as a fragile ecosystem.

Zimmerman said: “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.” On the announcement of his award, Zimmerman said: “I am thrilled beyond belief, and I want to thank you for this award. There was some wonderful work from some wonderful photographers… I hope this work continues, to make us feel, think and lauch, and I share this award with all the photographers doing terrific work out there.”
The Honorary Judging Committee comprised 12 specially selected World Photography Awards Academy members.

Other winners include:Neal Kartik and Pranab Kumar Aich from Jamia Millia Islamia in India for the Student Focus Competition,Daniel Beltrá for The Prince’s Rainforests Project (PRP) Award, and the acclaimed French photographer and former President of Magnum Photos, Marc Riboud, for the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award.

“We are truly honoured to be part of this impressive showcase of photographic talent,” commented Yoshiyuki Nogami, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Europe. “We would like to congratulate all the deserved winners and look forward to offering our continued support to this inspiring event.”

For more information on the awards go to: http://www.worldphotographyawards.org/