The inaugural winner of the Belmond Photographic Residency was Cecy Young, who impressed judges with her subtle use of colour and deep connection to her subjects. Young completed her residency at Belmond's Castello di Casole in Tuscany in the summer of 2025, and her work will be featured in a forthcoming campaign and publication.
An annual international jury-led award challenging conventional ideas of travel photography
In the age of the ubiquitous image, travel photography has become familiar and expected.
About
The Belmond Photographic Residency seeks to upturn this, reclaiming travel photography as a space that can be insightful, thought provoking and inspirational.
Celebrating the intensely original, the award identifies artists that have the power to transport you to another world, breathing new life into the way we see and experience travel.
The award itself acts as a catalyst, stimulating a new body of work, encouraging artists to experiment and push their practice; in turn shaping a future photographic culture.
The international jury is composed of leading photographic experts and contemporary taste makers.
Championing the next generation of photographic visionaries
Jury Panel
Tyler Mitchell
Artist, Photographer and Filmmaker
Kathy Ryan
Photographer
Colin Dodgson
Photographer
Kimberly Drew
Writer
Lydia Melamed Johnson
Executive Director of AIPAD
Matthieu Charon
Co-Founder, RVB Books
Criteria
The Residency is open to artists from all nationalities working in all genres, with a focus on people, place and travel. Applicants should not be represented by an agent or gallery.
The Brief
An artist's interpretation of a place
Expressing something beyond the literal
A personal and original point of view
A clear sensation and understanding of place
More than a literal documentation
An individual visual language
How to Apply
Please submit a body of work of 10 images that depict a particular place, destination or culture. The works can be new or old, but must not be published. Before submitting, please check that your application meets the and otherwise it may not be considered.
Access the Application here:
The Award
An all expenses covered residency at a Belmond location
A print publication in partnership with RVB Books
A showcase in a global city
Mentorship from Belmond's network of photographic experts
A financial award of €15,000
Runner-up prizes to be announced
