Category Theme
Travel reveals the world through its people – their beliefs, rituals, and ways of life. Across continents and communities, cultures are expressed through tradition: in celebration and ceremony, in daily practice, in what is worn, built, prepared, and performed. Some are vivid and exuberant, alive with colour and movement. Others are quieter, rooted in reflection, identity, and human connection.
Together, they form a powerful and diverse portrait of humanity.
This category challenges you to go beyond surface impressions. Through a considered portfolio, explore the depth of a culture – its meaning, its continuity, and its expression in the modern world.
What subjects can you include?
Submit a portfolio of four images (colour or black & white) that together explore a culture, its traditions, or its celebrations.
Your work might include:
- Festivals, ceremonies, or rituals that express belief and identity
- Traditional dress, adornment, or symbolic detail
- Food, craft, or practices passed through generations
- Architecture or spaces tied to cultural or spiritual life
- Portraits or moments that reveal connection to heritage and community Think beyond isolated scenes.
Your portfolio should build a cohesive narrative – offering insight into the values, history, and spirit of a culture. Capture both the visible and the intangible, creating a body of work that feels authentic, respectful, and deeply observed.
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 capturing cultures, tradition, celebrations, festivals and heritage through dress, customs, festivals, artefacts, food, architecture or any other way which is distinctive and relevant.
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:
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 local 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 £7500 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, Frank Meo.
Image © Dashwater Bade
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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.
