Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Travel Photography Competition Partner Since 2002
Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) was founded in 2002 by professional travel photographer Chris Coe to challenge misconceptions about travel photography and showcase its artistic and documentary value. We operate a globally renowned competition that celebrates excellence in travel photography, judged by industry experts with decades of combined experience. Our mission is to elevate the craft through annual awards, international exhibitions, and publications that highlight both amateur and professional work.We prioritise photographers' rights, ensuring copyright protection while providing exposure through media partnerships, books, and the Eye for the Light online magazine. With entries from 157 countries and a 23-year legacy, we remain committed to fostering creativity, cultural understanding, and environmental awareness through visual storytelling.
Services
Wildlife Photography
Travel Portraits
Landscape Photography
Cultural Documentation
Photo Exhibitions
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer global exposure through international exhibitions seen by millions
- Our expert judges include renowned photographers and industry professionals
- We protect photographers' copyright and negotiate image usage fees
- 23 years of experience running the world's most prestigious travel photography awards
- We provide educational resources through Eye for the Light magazine and podcasts
Associations and certifications
- Artists Bill of Rights
- Rights-On
What people say
Massive exposure
Prestigious recognition
Excellent judges
Career boosting
Quality exhibitions
Services
Photography Competition
Our annual photography competition provides global exposure for travel photographers through cash prizes, exhibition opportunities, and publication in our Journey portfolio books. With categories covering wildlife, culture, landscapes, and video, we celebrate both amateur and professional work. The competition includes mentorship opportunities and partnerships with tourism boards to support emerging talent.
Photo Exhibitions
We curate international exhibitions showcasing winning entries in iconic locations including London, Sharjah, and Bolivia. These exhibitions attract millions of visitors annually, providing photographers with unparalleled exposure. Our touring exhibitions feature both printed works and digital displays, with recent venues including Chester Cathedral and London Bridge City.
Photography Education
Through Eye for the Light magazine and podcast series, we offer educational resources featuring interviews with award-winning photographers. Our content covers technical skills, creative approaches, and industry insights. The platform includes over 140 features and 30+ podcast episodes exploring photography techniques and travel storytelling.
Copyright Protection
We actively protect photographers' intellectual property rights through our inclusion in the Artists Bill of Rights. Our advocacy includes negotiating usage fees for image licensing and ensuring proper attribution. We maintain strict copyright policies that prevent unlimited license requests while supporting photographers' control over their work.
Portfolio Publishing
Our Journey series of portfolio books features award-winning images in curated collections that document global travel and cultural diversity. These publications serve as permanent records of photographic excellence, with royalties paid to featured photographers. The books combine technical mastery with storytelling to showcase evolving travel photography trends.
People
Chris Coe
Founder
Professional travel photographer who established TPOTY in 2002 to challenge industry perceptions. Developed the competition into a globally recognised platform with exhibitions in 15 countries.
Karen Coe
Co-Founder
Supported the launch of TPOTY alongside Chris Coe. Played key role in establishing initial sponsorships and judging criteria that shaped the competition's early success.
Questions
What photography categories are available?
We offer Portfolio categories for Adventures, Culture, Landscapes, and Wildlife, plus One Shot categories for Green Planet, Slow Travel, Monochrome, and Portraits.
Are there age restrictions for entrants?
No. We have a Young Photographer category for ages 14 and under, and 15-18, alongside open categories for all ages.
How are winners selected?
Entries are judged by photography experts based on technical skill, creativity, and storytelling. Final selections consider both printed work and raw image files.
Do photographers retain copyright?
Yes. We never request unlimited licenses. Your images remain your property with usage strictly for competition promotion and exhibition.
What prizes are available?
Prizes include £10,000 cash, trips to Sri Lanka, software packages, and exhibition opportunities. Winners receive global media exposure through our partnerships.
How can I view past winners?
All winning images from 2003 onwards are available in our online galleries, with physical exhibitions held annually in various international locations.
Videos
