KLPA AUTOPORTRAIT 2026 Portrait Photography Prize

The KLPA AUTOPORTRAIT 2026 Photography Prize is an international self-portrait photography competition exploring the theme PLAY. Organised by the Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) in collaboration with FORMAT International Photography Festival, this third edition of AUTOPORTRAIT takes its theme from FORMAT27, which will be held in Derby, UK, in 2027.

Photographers are invited to consider what play means in their own work, from humour and spontaneity to experimentation with the camera itself. The theme also leaves room for more challenging interpretations, including questions about identity, reality and the freedom to play. Entries can use colour or black-and-white photography, traditional techniques or alternative photographic processes. In-camera multiple exposures are permitted, but heavily manipulated images are not.

Each photographer can make up to two submissions, with a maximum of ten individually captioned photographs per submission. Images must be uploaded as high-quality JPEG files, measuring 1,500 pixels along the longest edge and using the sRGB colour space. An international jury will assess entries anonymously, with the shortlist expected in January 2027 and winners announced in February 2027.

Entry fee: €12 for 1 image, €24 for 2 images according to KLPA (€25 on Picter), €45 for 3 to 6 images, or €65 for 7 to 10 images per submission. Full-time students under 25 can submit 1 image free with proof of enrolment.