KLPA 2026 Portrait Prize

The prize pool offers cash awards of up to €2,000, alongside special equipment and book vouchers for Malaysian photographers, culminating in a public exhibition and screening of the top forty finalists’ work in Malaysia, in September 2026.

Overview

The Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards marks the 18th edition of this global portrait prize, this year focusing on the theme A Stranger's Face - Travel Portraits.

The competition seeks to highlight the people encountered during journeys, moving beyond simple snapshots to find enigmatic and engaging portraits of strangers that speak to the viewer on multiple levels. Whether posed or spontaneous, the awards look for images that establish a deep connection between the subject and the viewer, emphasizing the photographer's methodology and the storytelling power of the encounter.

Established in 2009 by Steven Lee, the KLPA has grown into a vital fixture in the international photography calendar, specifically championing contemporary portraiture within the South East Asian region and beyond. The jury panel features a diverse international group of photographers, curators, and arts practitioners, including Aisha Nazar, Michelle Sank, Ivan Gabriel, Ng Hui Hsien, She Escobar, Lau Wen Huat, and Api Husien.

Practical Info

The entry fees are structured by volume, starting at €15 for a single image, €30 for two images, €45 for three to six images, and €65 for seven to ten images. In an effort to be inclusive, the organizers are offering five concessionary free entries for photographers in regions without access to standard credit or debit payment systems, with a separate application deadline due on 28 February 2026.

The prize pool features a €2,000 first prize, €1,000 for second place, and €500 for third place. Additionally, Malaysian photographers are eligible for special prizes sponsored by Zontiga, including book vouchers and film equipment. The top forty finalists will see their work printed and exhibited in Malaysia in September 2026, with further screenings scheduled at various international partner festivals.

About KLPA

The Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 2009 by photographer and director Steven Lee. Based between London and Kuala Lumpur, the institution was established with the primary mission of supporting and rewarding contemporary portrait photography while raising the standards of the practice within a South East Asian context. Over nearly two decades, it has evolved into a globally recognized competition that serves as a bridge between regional talent and the international photographic community, attracting amateur and professional photographers from all over the world.