KLPA AUTOPORTRAIT 2026: Global Self-Portrait Photography Call for FORMAT27, €1,000 Prize
The Kuala Lumpur International Photoawards (KLPA) has opened its AUTOPORTRAIT 2026 'PLAY' international photography call in collaboration with the FORMAT International Photography Festival 2027 in Derby, United Kingdom. Photographers worldwide are invited to create experimental self-portraits exploring the relationship between identity, gesture, everyday performance, technical process and play. Submissions are open to professionals and amateurs at least 16 years of age as of 25 November 2026. The deadline is 25 November 2026 at midnight Malaysian time (UTC+8). Selected work can be projected at FORMAT27 from 11 March to 11 April 2027.
Theme: PLAY and self-portraiture
The festival encourages artists to experiment with photographic materials and methods, from analogue self-portraits and double exposures made in camera to staged contemporary images. The central theme PLAY concerns experimentation, humour, chance and new ways of portraying the self. This is specifically a photographic self-portrait opportunity, not a general AI image-generation competition. Images must have been created in 2024–2026 and depict a portrait in the organiser's broad sense.
Who may enter?
Photographers of all nationalities aged 16 or older on 25 November 2026.
Professional and amateur creators may apply; each applicant may make at most two submissions.
A submission may contain up to ten single images with captions, chosen according to the official paid-entry tier.
Full-time enrolled students under 25 years of age may submit one image at no charge by uploading a student identification card or enrolment letter.
Organisers, employees and affiliated sponsoring staff are not eligible under the published conflict-of-interest clause.
Fees: per entry tier
One image: €12.
Two images: €24.
Three to six images: €45.
Seven to ten images: €65.
Qualifying full-time students under 25: one photo free, with proof of student status.
Prizes and exhibition benefits
The first prize is €1,000, the second €500 and the third €300. The judges may withhold distinctions if entries do not meet the standard. The top 35 finalist portraits will be promoted online and screened at FORMAT27 in Derby, UK, from 11 March to 11 April 2027, and may feature in later KLPA presentations in Malaysia. Shortlists are expected in January 2027; winners in February. The call does not guarantee that a selected photographer receives airfare, accommodation or a cash reward.
Very important: AI-generated images are not allowed
KLPA explicitly disallows images wholly or partly created with text-to-image generative artificial intelligence, as well as heavy digital manipulation, composite fabrication, erased features, HDR-type extreme processing and deceptive special effects. Basic darkroom-style exposure, contrast, dodging and cropping adjustments may be permitted. In-camera multiple exposure and documented alternative historical photography processes are acceptable. Entrants should retain original camera RAW/JPEG files and production notes in case verification is requested.
Technical delivery and copyrights
Upload a high-quality JPG in sRGB with the longest edge around 1,500 pixels and a file size around 1,500KB. Naming convention: surname.firstname.number.jpg in lowercase. Portraits should be free of watermarks and borders; for recognisable subjects, obtain an appropriate model release, especially when images may be exhibited publicly. Copyright stays with the photographer, but the award organisers and partners receive rights to use selected images without extra compensation for specified exhibition and promotional purposes. Read the extent of the organiser's three-year promotional licence before sending an exclusively licensed image.
Organiser and documented track record
KLPA has operated a photographic awards programme in Malaysia through explorenation.net, with UK/Malaysian project leadership and director Steven Lee. Its collaboration with FORMAT27 provides an identifiable festival partner, published exhibition dates and an archive of recognised portrait works. Use the official KLPA site or linked Picter submission form and avoid anyone selling promises of selection.
KLPA AUTOPORTRAIT 2026 official launch and prizes: https://www.klphotoawards.com/
Current AUTOPORTRAIT rules, fees, photographic restrictions: https://www.klphotoawards.com/rules
KLPA official frequently asked questions: https://www.klphotoawards.com/faq
Verified 24 October 2026. Global age 16+, close 25 November 2026, 23:59 Malaysian time UTC+8. Top prize €1,000; no generative AI images.