Portfolio Theme
Travel is not just about where you arrive – it’s about what it takes to get there.
Every journey carries a story: of challenge, discovery, uncertainty, and transformation. The road itself – whether physical or personal – is often where the most meaningful moments unfold. From quiet persistence to high-adrenaline pursuits, adventure exists on many levels.
Once considered a niche, these experiences now define modern travel. We seek them out not just for excitement, but for connection – to places, to cultures, and to ourselves.
This category invites you to go beyond a single moment. Through a carefully constructed portfolio, show how an adventure or journey unfolds. Build narrative, create progression, and reveal the emotional core of the experience. This is not just about action – it’s about storytelling. Take us with you.
What subjects can you include?
Submit a portfolio of four images (colour or black & white) that together tell the story of an adventure or journey.
Your narrative might include:
- Physical challenges – trekking, climbing, skiing, water sports, or exploration in remote environments
- Personal journeys – learning a skill, overcoming fear, or stepping outside your comfort zone
- Cultural experiences – engaging with local traditions, crafts, food, or performance
- The journey itself – movement, transition, and the spaces in between destinations
- Moments of success, struggle, failure, humour, or reflection Think beyond individual images.
Your portfolio should work as a cohesive sequence—capturing progression, contrast, and emotion. Show us not just what happened, but what it „felt like“ to be there: the tension, the effort, the exhilaration, and the reward.
By entering this category twice, or entering this category once plus one of the other four-image portfolio categories once, you will automatically be given a FREE entry for the overall winner of the 2026 awards and be considered for the top award and the title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2026.
ALL finalists in the portfolio categories will be considered for one of three special judges’ awards. The three 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.
What are the judges looking for?
A portfolio of four images that captures the spirit of a travel adventure or journey. Originality and creativity.
How many images?
Four images per portfolio.
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:
TPOTY Pass – unlimited entries until 16th July 2026 for a single £99 fee
- £28 for one four-image portfolio entry
OR ENTERING MORE THAN ONE PORTFOLIO
- £36 for two four-image portfolios.
OR
- ‘Two Plus Four’ 12-image combination – 2 four-image portfolios plus 4 One Shot entries, entered at the same time, for £59 (full price £104 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 locally or travel further afield. Entries close on 12th 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.
Prizes
The winner of this category will receive £750 plus Radiant Photo imaging software.
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 three special judges’ awards. The three 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.
IMAGES © Alessandra Manzotti & Angiolo Manetti
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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.
