Aisha Nazar, photographer and associate picture editor at National Geographic Traveller (UK), has received the first prize in the Professional Editorial/Press-Travel/Tourism category at this year’s prestigious International Photography Awards (IPA).  

Her winning work documents the Grand Songs of the Dong ethnic group in Guizhou, China, and was published as a multimedia story in the April 2026 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK) as well as online.  

Reflecting on the experience, Aisha said: “It was incredible to join an established community of photographers from all over the world and to celebrate our achievements together in such a historic setting.” 

Aisha’s entry was among those recognised on stage at the grand IPA Awards Gala, held on 11 October 2026 at the Benaki Museum in Athens, Greece. The ceremony brought together finalists from across the competition’s different categories to celebrate outstanding photography from around the world.  

See the award-winning photography here: 

How this 800-year-old Chinese village is using the power of song 

Read more about Aisha’s press trip to Guizhou last year, here: https://aplmedia.co.uk/apl-medias-editors-writers-recount-their-latest-press-trips/  

The International Photography Awards is one of the world’s largest annual photography competitions and a sister-effort of Lucie Foundation, a distinguished non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting both professional and emerging photographers. This year, IPA 2026 saw over 14,000 submissions from 139 countries from around the world. 

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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 is 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