Vital Impacts Photography Fellowships 2027
Opportunity type: Fellowship
For: Photographers
Deadline: 30/11/26
Rewards: Up to $20,000 + exhibition + mentorship
Location Eligibility: Worldwide
About this opportunity
Vital Impacts is seeking photographers for its 2027 Environmental Photography Fellowships and Mentorships. The programme backs long-term documentary projects on environmental and conservation challenges, with a particular interest in the people and communities working towards solutions. In 2027 it will award one $20,000 fellowship to an established environmental photographer, six $5,000 fellowships to emerging photographers from around the world, and ten mentorships. Each fellowship supports one photographer and one project, with work running from the day the award is accepted until 31 December 2027.
Rewards
- One $20,000 fellowship for an established environmental photographer, paid in three instalments: $5,000 on acceptance, $10,000 around six months in, and $5,000 on delivery of final materials
- Six $5,000 fellowships for emerging photographers, paid in three instalments: $1,000 on acceptance, $3,000 around six months in, and $1,000 on delivery of final materials
- Ten mentorships with monthly one-on-one sessions with industry experts, photographers and editors, plus lectures and programming
- Ongoing guidance from the Vital Impacts mentorship community, and help with publication, exhibition and media opportunities
- One fellow will be invited to exhibit at the 2027 Festival of Ethical Photography in Lodi, Italy, with exhibition production, installation, international travel and accommodation all covered by the Festival
Eligibility
- Photographers and visual storytellers working on long-term documentary projects about environmental and conservation issues, and the people working towards solutions
- A meaningful, established relationship with the community, issue or conservation initiative being documented
- A realistic plan for developing the project over 12 months
- Applicants cannot be the target of sanctions, or be located or resident in a country, territory or region under comprehensive territorial sanctions
- Images must not be AI-generated or materially altered with generative tools, and staging or manipulation that could mislead viewers is not allowed
- Fellows must start substantive work within 30 days of accepting the award, and complete and submit about 50 colour-corrected JPEGs with RAW files by the end of the period
- Applicants must agree to the Vital Impacts Code of Ethics and sign the Fellowship or Mentorship Agreement if selected
Entry Fee
$25. Waived for applicants experiencing economic hardship and for applicants from developing countries; email hello@vitalimpacts.org for a waiver code.
How to Apply
Apply using the link: Vital Impact Photography Fellowships2027
All questions regarding this opportunity should be sent to hello@vitalimpacts.org
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