Portfolio – People & Cultures

The enjoyment of travelling for most people is about meeting new friends and learning about different cultures. Even though the world is increasingly opening up again after the global pandemic, this category is not only for the long-distance traveller but also for those photographers who can find diversity and emerging cultures closer to their own homes. The focus should be on the uniqueness of people’s lives and their efforts to preserve their traditions and way of life.

In a portfolio of four images (colour or black & white) we would like you to show us indigenous people and traditional or emerging cultures which you encounter on your travels around the world, or find in your own home country (or even home town/village!). Celebrate them in a portfolio of four colour or B&W images. You can include portraits or candid shots of people, their expressions, encounters, interactions, communication, their homes, gatherings, festivals, traditions, music, dance, food, events, colour, movement, sports.

ALL finalists in the portfolio categories will be considered for one of two special judges’ awards. The two selected finalists (who can come from any of the four portfolio categories) will have a portfolio review by a leading New York photographer’s agent.

By entering this category twice, or entering this category once plus one of the other four-image portfolio categories once, you will automatically be considered for the top award and the title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2023.

What subjects can you include?

People – portraits or candid, expressions, encounters, interactions, communication. Cultures – homes, work, families, gatherings, festivals, traditions, music, dance, food, events, colour, movement, sports.

How many images?

Four images per portfolio.

What are the judges looking for?

A portfolio of four images that captures the spirit and culture of the people you meet on your travels.

Am I eligible?

This category is open to all photographers aged 19 and above.

How many times can I enter?

You can enter this category as many times as you want.

What is the category entry fee?

Entry options:

  • £20 for one four-image portfolio entry

OR

  • £30 for two four-image portfolios. 

OR

  • ‘Two Plus Four’ 12-image combination of 4 MPB One Shot entries and 2 four-image portfolios entered at the same time for £50 (full price £70 if entered individually). 

Do I need to shoot new material to be able to enter this category?

No! We have always allowed entrants to submit images from their archives – i.e. contemporary photography shot in recent years – and have always said that ‘travel starts when you leave your home’. So it’s your choice. you can travel local or travel further afield. Entries close on 1st October.

Digital Manipulation

Please see the information on digital manipulation and note that entrants who are shortlisted as finalists will be required to provide the original image files (RAW or jpeg as shot).

No AI generated images will be allowed and any entered will be disqualified.

Prize

The winner of this category will receive a magnificent signed print from National Geographic explorer and photographer and Cultural Sanctuaries Foundation co-founder, Chris Rainier. They also receive membership of The Royal Photographic Society, Radiant Photo imaging software, plus copies of Tonic magazine.

The judges will also select their favourite image from all the submitted portfolios. The winner of the Best Single Image award for each portfolio category receives a Genesis Imaging giclée exhibition print.

Special portfolio category award: ALL finalists in the portfolio categories will be considered for one of two special judges’ awards. The two selected finalists (who can come from any of the four portfolio categories) will have a portfolio review by a leading New York photographer’s agent.

Image © Trevor Cole


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.