Sri Lanka 2026
In May 2026 the winners of the Rising Talent Award will take part in a mentoring programme in Sri Lanka. As part of this scheme we are inviting two Sri Lankan photographers to join us
This opportunity is open to Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka only. If you are an amateur or semi-professional Sri Lankan photographer you can apply to join. It’s FREE to apply.
In this category we’re looking for talent. We’re looking for photographers who want to get better and have the drive and enthusiasm to learn and develop, but need support and guidance to become the best they can be. If you’ve dreamt of a life in photography then this is your opportunity to start following that dream.
How to Apply
To apply first please register and login
Provided you meet the criteria, you will then be able to choose the TPOTY Rising Talent Sri Lanka competition. Click on that link and then upload your pictures for consideration by the TPOTY judging panel.
If you don’t see the competition then you are not eligible for consideration. The criteria are:
- Sri Lankan
- Living in Sri Lanka
- Amateur or semi-pro photographer (no professionals please)
- Speak and understand English. The tuition will be in English
- Age 18 years or over
- Available to join the mentoring scheme from 4th to 13th May 2026
- CLOSING DATE 2nd April 2026
If you are shortlisted you will be asked to complete a short form telling us about you, your photography and why you think you’ll benefit from joining this mentoring programme.
What subjects can you include?
In a portfolio of 6 images (colour or black & white) we would like you to show us different elements of travel photography – people, landscape, wildlife, nature, underwater, places, architecture, street, food, documentary, fine art. You should include at least three different elements.
The core of this category is to recognise potential talent and help to develop and grow. By entering this category, in addition to prizes, you will be considered for a new mentoring programme coming soon….
What are the judges looking for?
The judges will be looking more for potential and talent, rather than polished and accomplished travel photography, so originality and creativity are important. Please remember this is an award for photography NOT an award for digital processing of images afterwards or for AI generated images.
How many images?
Six image portfolio.
Am I eligible?
To enter you must be an amateur photographer or a semi-professional photographer. Professional photographers are NOT eligible.
How many times can I enter?
You can enter this category only once.
What is the category entry fee?
Entry options:
- FREE for one six-image portfolio entry
You apply for Rising Talent only once
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 13th 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 2 winners of Rising Talent Sri Lanka will win a 9 day mentoring trip in Sri Lanka, courtesy of Sri Lanka Tourism and Jetwing Hotels.
This international mentoring programme will take place between 4th and 13th May 2026. With experienced tutors, it will include mentoring in all aspects of travel photography – people, culture, landscape, wildlife etc. Additionally the winners will be mentored in editing, image manipulation and marketing their images. The mentoring trip will include special tuition from two of Sri Lanka’s best wildlife photographers.
This place on the mentoring programme is for the selected applicants only and is not transferrable.
HEADER IMAGE © Poras Chaudhary
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.
