Xposure IFPA 2026 International Award for Freelance Photojournalists
- Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Website: https://ifpa.xposure.net/
The Xposure Independent & Freelance Photojournalist Award (IFPA) recognises outstanding independent and freelance photojournalists whose work demonstrates journalistic integrity, visual strength and meaningful engagement with contemporary issues.
The award is presented across three categories: Spot News, Environment and Solutions. One winner is selected in each category, with each receiving USD 5,000. Winners are also invited to the Xposure International Photography & Film Festival in Sharjah, UAE, where their work is presented to an international audience of photographers, editors, industry professionals and the public.
The IFPA is designed to support photographers working independently or on a freelance basis and to give significant photojournalistic projects greater international visibility.
Fees:
Free
Prizes:
Each of the three category winners receives USD 5,000 and is invited to attend the full week of Xposure International Photography & Film Festival in Sharjah, UAE. Return flights, hotel accommodation and local transfers are provided, with complimentary access to all festival talks and events. The winners’ work is exhibited at Xposure, and the awards are presented during the festival’s official Awards Ceremony.
Eligibility:
Open to photojournalists worldwide, including staff, freelance and independent photographers. Entrants must submit their own original photojournalistic work and may enter one or more of the award categories: Spot News, Environment and Solutions.
Copyrights & Usage Rights:
Photographers retain full copyright in their work. By entering, shortlisted and winning photographers grant Xposure a non-exclusive licence to use submitted images for award and festival promotion across print, digital, online and social media, and for exhibition and publication in the Xposure Yearbook and SGMB Public Archive.