International roster unveiled for 2025 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize, highlighting photographic artistry from around the world
The National Portrait Gallery in London has revealed the shortlist for the 2025 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize. This prestigious competition, now in its 18th year, celebrates outstanding portrait photography from around the world.
Fifty-four works by 51 photographers will be displayed in the exhibition, which tells stories of people from various corners of the globe, offering insights into individual lives and global issues.
The Shortlisted Photographers
Four photographers have been shortlisted for the prize: Hollie Fernando, Luan Davide Gray, Byron Mohammad Hamzah, and Martina Holmberg.
- Hollie Fernando is recognised for her work "Boss Morris" from the series "Hoydenish."
- Luan Davide Gray is shortlisted for "We Dare to Hug" from the series "Call Me by Your Name."
- Byron Mohammad Hamzah is recognised for "Jaidi Playing" from the series "Bunga dan Tembok (The Flower and The Wall: The Stateless Youths of Semporna)."
- Martina Holmberg is shortlisted for "Mel" from her series "The Outside of the Inside."
The Competition and Exhibition
The competition attracted 5,910 submissions from 2,054 photographers. The accompanying exhibition for the 2025 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize will open on November 13 and run until February 8, 2026.
Victoria Siddall, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, commented on this year's competition, saying, "The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our world today, showcasing incredible stories of people from around the globe."
Prizes and Awards
The winner of the prize will receive £15,000, with £3,000 for second place and £2,000 for third. One shortlisted photographer will also be awarded an £8,000 commission.
Kalum Carter, a photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and writer with over 10 years of experience in visual storytelling, writes about photography and filmmaking. His work highlights the power of visual storytelling and fosters an appreciation for the impact of photography.
You can check out guides to the best camera for portraits and the best lenses for portrait photography to help you on your own photographic journey.
The winners of the 2025 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize will be announced at the awards ceremony on November 11. We congratulate the shortlisted photographers and thank the judges for their selection.
[1] Kalum Carter's work focuses on photography books, curation, and photo editing, and he interviews industry professionals, showcases emerging talent, and offers in-depth analyses of the art form.
[3] The portraits submitted for the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize will be exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery from November 2025 to February 2026.
- Hollie Fernando, one of the shortlisted photographers for the 2025 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize, is recognized for her work "Boss Morris" from the series "Hoydenish."
- The competition for the prestigious Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize attracted 5,910 submissions from 2,054 photographers, reflecting the considerable focus and passionate dedication of photographers in this field.
- The opening of the exhibition for the 2025 Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize, showcasing outstanding portrait photography from around the world, will be on November 13 and run until February 8, 2026.
- Martina Holmberg, another of the shortlisted photographers for the prize, is shortlisted for "Mel" from her series "The Outside of the Inside."
- If you're interested in improving your portraiture skills, you can review guides to the best camera for portraits and the best lenses for portrait photography to enhance your own photographic journey.
