Around the world, a rich variety of cultures make travel both fascinating and stimulating. With different cultures come different belief systems, religions and spiritualities, often accompanied by spectacular dress, customs, festivals, food, artefacts and architecture. Some cultures are a riot of colour and tradition. Others simple and revolve more around the human condition, mind and body. All are part of a rich canvas of humanity.
What subjects can you include?
In a portfolio of four images (colour or black & white) you can include images of any travel-related subject, from documentary to fine art, which show a particular culture or its heritage, or the beliefs or spirituality which underpin it and give a sense of what that culture, heritage or belief is all about.
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 2025 awards and be considered for the top award and the title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2025.
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 capturing cultures, heritage, belief systems, religions and spiritualities through dress, customs, festivals, artefacts, food, architecture or any other way which is distinctive and relevant to that culture, heritage or belief.
Am I eligible?
Four images per portfolio.
How many images?
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:
- £25 for one four-image portfolio entry
OR ENTERING MORE THAN ONE PORTFOLIO
- £35 for two four-image portfolios.
OR
- Two Plus Four’ 12-image combination of 4 One Shot entries and 2 four-image portfolios entered at the same time for £55 (full price £82 if entered individually).
OR
- ‘Ten Image Combination’ of between 6 and 10 One Shot images for £55 (full price up to £100 if entered individually).
ENTERING LOTS OF IMAGES? Use the early bird TPOTY Pass for unlimited entries until 31st July 2025
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 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 winner of this category will receive £1000 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 two 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, Frank Meo.
Image © Ignacio Palacios
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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.
