About the Open Call

KLPA seeks portraits taken during recent travels that speak to the viewer on many levels, open conversations, and present an element of intrigue and uniqueness. Portraits may be posed or spontaneous, photographed indoors or outdoors, and should connect the viewer and the subject at a deeper level. The best 40 entries will be exhibited in Malaysia and screened at international partner festivals.

What is Offered

1st Prize: €2,000; 2nd Prize: €1,000; 3rd Prize: €500. The best 40 entries will be exhibited in Kuala Lumpur in September 2026 and screened at partner festivals. Additional prizes (vouchers and gear) are available for Malaysian entries through the Zontiga KLPA Prize.

Requirements

Open to international photographers at all levels. Submissions must be travel-themed portraits of strangers. Maximum of 2 submissions per photographer, with up to 10 single images per submission. Captioning is required.

How to Apply

Photographers may submit through the KLPA website or directly via the Picter.com application page. Up to 10 single images with captions may be submitted per entry.