Travel Photographer of the Year has a range of categories to challenge entrants and reflect the diversity of subjects and genres encompassed under the ‘travel photography’ banner. There’s something for everyone in the portfolio categories and single image categories.
Overall winner & the Travel Photographer of the Year 2024 – This is the big one! The Travel Photographer of the Year 2024 will be the photographer who submits the best eight images across the portfolio categories. If you enter at least two portfolios then entry for this top prize is both automatic and FREE. The Overall Winner prizes include a £2000 cash prize plus review of their photography by New York photographer’s agent Frank Meo and more – and, of course, the massive international exposure that goes with winning TPOTY. LEARN MORE
Young Travel Photographer of the Year 2024 – For photographers aged 18 and under. Entry for Young Travel Photographer of the Year 2024 is free for all photographers aged 18 and under. This year’s theme is ‘Travel Experiences’. Awards will be given in the 14 & Under and 15-18 age groups, and an overall young winner will be chosen. Prizes include £500, a full license for Radiant Photo digital image software, a place on a Photo Iconic photography workshop, and Royal Photographic Society membership. LEARN MORE
PORTFOLIO CATEGORIES
Faces, People, Cultures – Meeting and making new friends, and learning about and experiencing different cultures, is a major factor in our enjoyment of travel and our fascination with travelling. This category is all about those people – young, old or some age in between – the characters we encounter. The focus should be on the uniqueness of those people and their lives, the uniqueness of their cultures and the efforts to maintain and preserve their traditions and way of life. LEARN MORE
Planet Earth – landscape, climate & water – This amazing planet is rich in varied landscapes, from striking and imposing mountains and glaciers to the serene, harsh beauty of deserts and wildernesses; from rivers and lakes to the smooth or rugged variations of coastal regions and islands; from polar ice and snowscapes to verdant forests and jungles. Some of these landscapes have remained unchanged for millions of years. Some are changing as they experience ever more extreme climate variations which see water shortages, and even desertification in some regions, while others experience floods, extreme rain and storm events which turn dry areas into wetlands. LEARN MORE
Travel in B&W – Travel photography started in black and white (B&W) and, despite a colourful world, it has remained an interesting and powerful medium. In B&W photography, compositions can make or break an image with shape, form and texture working together in the absence of sometimes distracting colour. LEARN MORE
Wildlife, Nature & Underwater – The natural world enchants and amazes, both with its beauty and with its behaviours and adaptations. Nature is all around us, in the air, on land and underwater. From giant mammals such as elephants or blue whales to the tiniest butterfly, they are all part of the wild world spectrum. As extinction threatens a range of species, it has has never been more important to observe and protect our natural world, from the Big Five to the smallest insect. According to the IUCN Red List, biodiversity continues to decline, but there are many success stories too, and this category celebrates that as well. Whatever the wildlife or sea life, it has the power to inspire and make us marvel – photography has a vital role to play in awareness, education and its conservation. LEARN MORE
ONE SHOT CATEGORIES
Cities, Towns, Streets – Human settlements are vibrant places where human beings come together to work, live and play. Some are chaotic, having evolved over time, and some are more structured and planned. Cities, towns and villages can be functional but also creative spaces for transport, human interaction and art. Focus on these, on architecture on old and new, on how people move around. But also on striking architecture, the pursuit of culture activities, leisure, sport and relaxation and how life unfolds on the streets. LEARN MORE
Escape – The need for a more peaceful and reflective existence has never been more essential as the fast-moving, ever-busy human world moves increasingly in the direction of an online, impersonal, isolated and stressful existence. The human condition requires down-time, time to switch off and reflect, time to be at peace. Where do you escape to? Where or what is your escape? It can take many forms form a physical space to a quiet moment in the natural world to losing yourself in yoga or meditation. LEARN MORE
Festivals & Celebrations – Passion for life and celebrating or commemorating moments is a vital part of life. Festivals and celebrations take many forms, from the marking of the end of someone’s life or an important part of the religious calendar to the achievements of winning, conquering a challenge, joining two lives in marriage or welcoming a child. Some festivals or celebrations are steeped in history, culture and religion. Others are much more spontaneous, unplanned moments of joy and love. Festivals cover every aspect of human life often with music, dance and celebrations bringing out the positive side of human existence. LEARN MORE
Women in World Cultures – Making up about 50% of the global population, women are involved in every aspect of human life and are often key in shaping different societies. The stories of their essential role and contribution to many diverse cultures merits recognition and celebration. LEARN MORE
YOUR VOTE – PEOPLE’S CHOICE
The People’s Choice award. Our judges will choose a selection of images from the 2024 finalists, and these will be displayed on our website for public vote. The winner receives a selection of books, cards and prints from TPOTY plus membership of Eye for the Light.
Our sponsors and partners
It would not be possible to run Travel Photographer of the Year without the support of our sponsors and partners, and we are hugely grateful for their involvement each year. Click the logo to learn more about each of Travel Photographer of the Year’s sponsor and partners.
