International call for travel photographers

The annual online Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) competition is now calling for entries from photographers across the globe.

Now conducted in partnership with London’s Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), the award celebrates exceptional work in the diverse field of travel photography worldwide.

The contest is broken down into four portfolio categories, two single-image categories, a New Talent award and the Young TPOTY award.

The portfolio categories are as follows:

Natural Elements – images depicting earth, air, fire and/or water, sponsored by Oman Air, the Oman Ministry of Tourism Adobe, Genesis Digital Imaging and Lexar.

Cultures & Traditions – images documenting the different and/or changing cultures encountered on photographers’ travels, sponsored by Explore.

Exotic – images showing the ‘aspirational’ side of travel as depicted in glossy brochures and travels ads, sponsored by Tselana Travel.

Spirit of Adventure – images depicting strength, endurance and tenacity; tying in with the London Olympics, sponsored by Cutty Sark blended Scotch whisky.

The title of Travel Photographer of the Year 2011 will then be awarded to a photographer who submits the best entries in two of the four portfolio categories.

Single-shot category themes are ‘Wild Moments’ for pros and ‘Work, Rest, Play’ for beginners; the six-image New Talent category is ‘Diary of a Destination’ and the 18-and-under Young TPOTY category is ‘Green’.

Entries can be submitted as prints or online up to October 9, entry fees start at £10 (except the youth category which is free).

Photo: © Larry Louie, last year’s Travel Photographer of the Year.