This year, APL Media’s picture editors Ben Rowe and Aisha Nazar will be playing a vital role on the judging panels of the Siena International Photo Awards 2026 and the Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards 2026, respectively.  

Siena International Photography Awards: 

The Siena International Photography Awards is an annual international photography competition founded in 2014 in Siena, Italy. It celebrates powerful photography from around the world, with categories ranging from documentary and street photography to nature, storytelling and underwater imagery. 

Ben Rowe, picture editor, said: “It’s a privilege to be part of this year’s judging panel, helping to choose work from a stunning shortlist that combines technical excellence with meaningful human insight.” 

Submissions have now closed. 

Find out more about the awards, here: https://www.sienawards.com/en/sipa  

Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards: 

In its 18^th edition, the KLPA is an independent and global portrait photography prize celebrating talent from all skill levels since 2009. The category in 2026 is travel portraiture, with the best 40 entries receiving a physical exhibition in September in Malaysia. Finalists will also be screened at international partner festivals. 

Aisha Nazar, associate picture editor at National Geographic Traveller (UK), said: “I’m looking forward to two days of image reviews, critical dialogue and to engage in lively round-table exchanges with an inspiring panel of industry peers.” 

Submissions are open, here: https://site.picter.com/klphotoawards-2026  

Find out more about the awards, here: https://www.klphotoawards.com 

Both Aisha and Ben will be judges on the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition 2026.  

Enter now, here: https://www.natgeotv.com/uk/special/national-geographic-traveller-uk-photography-competition-2026  

Explore the history and past winners of the competition, here: https://aplmedia.co.uk/success_stories/national-geographic-traveller-uk-photography-competition/  

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About APL Media  
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers.  
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