Opens soonNational Portrait Gallery, London

Winston Taylor Photo Portrait Prize 2027 (formerly Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize)

Run by London's National Portrait Gallery, the prize formerly known as the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize now appears on the NPG site as the Winston Taylor Photo Portrait Prize and remains the UK's pre-eminent portrait photography award. The 2026 call closed on 21 April 2026; the NPG announced a shortlist of four, set the winner announcement for 3 November 2026, and shows the finalists at the gallery from 5 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. The 2027 call has not been announced and is expected to open in spring 2027, following last year's calendar. In 2026 entries were from-life portraits taken after 1 January 2025, up to six per photographer at GBP 22 each, judged anonymously.

AI policy unspecified
Deadline
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Entry fee
2026 fee: GBP 22 per entry; up to 6 entries per photographer (2027 fee not yet published)
Official siteRead full rules

Authenticity policy

AI policy

AI policy unspecified

RAW files

Not specified

Editing rules

The 2026 rules required all photographs to be taken by the entrant from life after 1 January 2025, with proof of the date on request. The National Portrait Gallery's pages and the rules PDF could not be re-read in November 2026 (the site blocks automated access), so the AI and RAW fields remain unspecified pending an editor review of the 2027 rules once published. The sister Taylor Wessing Irish Photo Prize explicitly excludes generative AI, but that is a separate competition.

Verified on November 7, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does Winston Taylor Photo Portrait Prize 2027 (formerly Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize) allow AI-generated images?
The published rules for Winston Taylor Photo Portrait Prize 2027 (formerly Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize) do not state a clear AI policy. Confirm with the official rules before entering.
How much does it cost to enter Winston Taylor Photo Portrait Prize 2027 (formerly Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize)?
2026 fee: GBP 22 per entry; up to 6 entries per photographer (2027 fee not yet published)

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