The National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition 2026 winners and finalists have been revealed at an awards ceremony on Thursday 28 May at Samsung KX, in King’s Cross, London. 

More than 3,500 images were entered into the competition’s eight categories, with submissions celebrating destinations, people, cultures and wildlife from around the world through exceptional storytelling and technical creativity. Two new categories were introduced in 2026: Aerial, showcasing drone photography, and Rising Star, spotlighting photographers aged 18 to 25, reflecting the growing popularity of aerial imagery and a commitment to supporting emerging young talent.   

The judging panel — made up of internationally renowned photographers alongside members of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) editorial and design teams — praised the exceptional standard of entries, noting the wide range of styles, perspectives and stories represented throughout the competition. 

This year’s Grand Prize winner, Edward Hasler, will receive an 11-day photographer’s dream trip to British Columbia, Canada, courtesy of Journeyscape. The prize offers the chance to explore some of Canada’s most spectacular landscapes and wildlife-rich environments, while capturing unforgettable images along the way. 
 
Ben Rowe, senior picture editor for National Geographic Traveller (UK), said: “The winning images make up a stunning group of photographs, offering unique perspectives on life around the world, from abstract landscapes and street food to busy city life and quiet, intimate moments. It’s a collection that inspires a desire to travel.” 

The images will be on display from 28 May to 12 July across Granary Square and the surrounding area of King’s Cross, transforming the destination into an open-air gallery showcasing some of the most captivating work from this year’s competition. 

Now in its 15^th year, the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition, sponsored by Hahnemühle and King’s Cross, has become a leading platform for emerging and established photographers from the UK and Ireland, offering a national stage to share their work with a wider audience. The competition continues to celebrate photography that captures the spirit of travel and discovery.  

Winners and finalists for 2026 

Urban  

Winner: Somdutt Prasad 

Highly Commended: Callum Alexander Liddle 

Runners-up: Matthew Ingham-Dempster and Sean Mark Dagnall 

People  

Winner: Nurettin Boydak 

Highly Commended: Ashleigh Benn 

Runners-up: Alice Rosano and Luisa Dicicilia 

Landscape  

Winner: James Campbell 

Highly Commended: Ryszard Lomnicki 

Runners-up: Lena Drapella and Timothy Burgess 

Wildlife  

Winner: Felix Belloin 

Highly Commended: Cam Parfitt 

Runners-up: Matt Porteous and Cheryl Michie 

Food  

Winner: Zaeem Jafri 

Highly Commended: Edward Hasler 

Runners-up: Giulia Verdinelli and Jadene Carey 

Aerial  

Winner: Edward Hasler 

Highly Commended: Bingqian Gao 

Runners-up: Pawel Zygmunt and Tony Anh Tung Pham 

Rising Star  

Winner: Vaishu Gomthy Alwarappan 

Highly Commended: Lucas James Leal Martin 

Runners-up: Lucy O’Mahoney and Harry Ho Zi Le 

Portfolio  

Winner: Ben Pipe 

Highly Commended: Fred Forse 

Runners-up: Tamara Mitchell and Julia Caira 

Grand Prize winner 

Edward Hasler 

Event details: National Geographic Traveller (UK) 2026 Photography Exhibition   
Date:  28 May-12 July 
Time: Open 24/7 
Location: Granary Square and surrounds, King’s Cross 
Price: Free

 
Winners revealed: National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition | National Geographic       

Website: nationalgeographic.com/travel 
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 National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s digital edition is available for Apple, Android and Kindle: ngtr.uk/NGTdigital 

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Notes 

The National Geographic Traveller (UK) Photography Competition was launched in 2011. This year it covers eight categories including: Urban, People, Landscape, Wildlife, Food, Aerial, Rising Star and Portfolio. Sponsors include Hahnemühle and King’s Cross. 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under licence by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, DC. The travel and lifestyle magazine launched in December 2010 and is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. It has a cover price of £6.25, is available via subscription and on newsstands, and is published 10 times a year.  nationalgeographic.com/travel 

For more information about National Geographic, visit nationalgeographic.com, on the National Geographic app or visit us at Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok.  

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About APL Media  

APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, creating 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 since 2010, alongside brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Living360, a digital lifestyle brand spanning wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture.   

APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns and editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and produces leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. It’s also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also created for national newspapers. aplmedia.co.uk