Joan Wakelin Award 2026 — a £2,000 international scholarship from the Royal Photographic Society
Royal Photographic Society (RPS), in partnership with The Guardian, has opened applications for Joan Wakelin Award 2026 — an international fellowship for photographers working with social and documentary themes. The winner will receive £2000 to develop a new photography project abroad focused on an important social issue or a significant story that requires visual research and storytelling.
About the programme
The fellowship was established in 2005 in memory of British documentary photographer and honorary member of the Royal Photographic Society, Joan Wakelin. Its purpose is to support independent photographers working on socially engaged documentary projects and visual stories that help audiences better understand the contemporary world.
What the winner receives
The successful applicant will receive a £2000 grant to develop a new documentary photography project. Funding may be used for photography, travel, research and other expenses related to the production of the project. Organisers are looking for strong ideas capable of drawing attention to important social issues and presenting them to a wider audience through documentary photography.
Who can apply
Photographers and photojournalists from around the world are eligible to apply. Projects must focus on a current social issue and be carried out outside the applicant’s country of residence. Organisers welcome proposals addressing culture, migration, education, environmental issues, human rights, community life and other socially relevant topics.
What is funded
The programme supports only new projects that have not yet been completed, published or publicly presented. Particular interest is given to long-term documentary stories, visual investigations and projects that explore important issues through the experiences of individuals, communities or specific places.
What is not funded
The fellowship does not support existing projects or projects that have already been published or exhibited. In addition, funding is not available for projects involving travel to conflict zones or work within active war zones.
Why apply
The Joan Wakelin Award is considered one of the recognised international opportunities for documentary photographers. In addition to financial support, the programme offers an opportunity to present your idea to the professional community of the Royal Photographic Society and gain additional visibility for your future project. For photographers working with social issues and documentary storytelling, this fellowship can become an important step in building an international career.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Royal Photographic Society portal. Applicants need to create an account or log into an existing account, complete the application form and submit a description of the proposed project in accordance with the organisers’ requirements.
The deadline for applications is 6 July 2026.
