Photography Contest
Marai Photo Grant
Deadline |
CLOSEDTheme |
The Value of water impacting your communityTerritory |
OtherEligibility |
Young photographers under 26 aged from South AsiaEntry Fees |
FREEPrizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
Marai Photo AwardThe Marai Photo Grant 2026 is here!
We are inviting participants from across South Asia — including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the Maldives, and Bhutan — to submit project proposals documenting how the value of water has impacted their local communities.
Applications will be open from November 17th until January 15th.
Concept for the Marai Photo Grant: “My Reality. Now.”
2026 Theme: Water Scarcity
“My Reality. Now.” reflects Shah Marai's belief in capturing the often overlooked, human side of life in Afghanistan, beyond prevailing narratives of violence and tragedy.
During his tenure, Marai championed the importance of highlighting these rarely reported aspects of everyday life, believing that meaningful stories exist beyond the headlines.
To further honor his legacy, we invite young photographers from South Asia to submit proposals for photo stories documenting their urgent realities.
The Marai Photo Grant 2026 seeks projects focusing on how water scarcity impacts daily life and communities, raising awareness of this critical issue.
Apply now and let your vision be seen and heard.
We look forward to discovering your work.
Prizes:
The Marai Photo Grant includes two gender categories: “Female” and “Male.”
Applicants must apply according to the gender stated in their passport.
Winners in each category will receive prize money, Nikon equipment, and AFP mentorship to bring their photo story projects to life.
The winning photo stories will be showcased on AFP’s global news wire.
Each category will also include one runner-up.
Awards:
Two winners (one from each gender category) will receive:
– $3,000 USD
– Nikon Z6III with a NIKKOR Z 24–120mm f/4 S
Two runners-up (one from each gender category) will receive:
– Nikon Z50II with a NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/3.5–6.3 VR
Mentorship:
Working closely with their mentor, Grant winners will define clear and achievable objectives for the program through regular one-on-one sessions focused on discussion and guidance.
Winners will develop their projects by setting ambitious goals, supported by ongoing reviews and constructive feedback from their mentor.
Their professional growth will be closely tracked throughout the program.
These exchanges will also provide valuable insight into the world of news photography.
At the conclusion of the program, mentors will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of each project.
We are inviting participants from across South Asia — including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the Maldives, and Bhutan — to submit project proposals documenting how the value of water has impacted their local communities.
Applications will be open from November 17th until January 15th.
Concept for the Marai Photo Grant: “My Reality. Now.”
2026 Theme: Water Scarcity
“My Reality. Now.” reflects Shah Marai's belief in capturing the often overlooked, human side of life in Afghanistan, beyond prevailing narratives of violence and tragedy.
During his tenure, Marai championed the importance of highlighting these rarely reported aspects of everyday life, believing that meaningful stories exist beyond the headlines.
To further honor his legacy, we invite young photographers from South Asia to submit proposals for photo stories documenting their urgent realities.
The Marai Photo Grant 2026 seeks projects focusing on how water scarcity impacts daily life and communities, raising awareness of this critical issue.
Apply now and let your vision be seen and heard.
We look forward to discovering your work.
Prizes:
The Marai Photo Grant includes two gender categories: “Female” and “Male.”
Applicants must apply according to the gender stated in their passport.
Winners in each category will receive prize money, Nikon equipment, and AFP mentorship to bring their photo story projects to life.
The winning photo stories will be showcased on AFP’s global news wire.
Each category will also include one runner-up.
Awards:
Two winners (one from each gender category) will receive:
– $3,000 USD
– Nikon Z6III with a NIKKOR Z 24–120mm f/4 S
Two runners-up (one from each gender category) will receive:
– Nikon Z50II with a NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/3.5–6.3 VR
Mentorship:
Working closely with their mentor, Grant winners will define clear and achievable objectives for the program through regular one-on-one sessions focused on discussion and guidance.
Winners will develop their projects by setting ambitious goals, supported by ongoing reviews and constructive feedback from their mentor.
Their professional growth will be closely tracked throughout the program.
These exchanges will also provide valuable insight into the world of news photography.
At the conclusion of the program, mentors will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of each project.
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #56 / SHADOWS
$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #56 | Website feature and International Press
© Francesco Pace Rizzi
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