Joan Wakelin Bursary 2026

The Joan Wakelin Bursary is a £2,000 grant for the production of a photographic essay on an overseas social documentary subject, administered by the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) in partnership with The Guardian. The bursary was established in 2005 in memory of documentary photographer Joan Wakelin, who died in 2003.

Beyond the cash, the winner receives portfolio printing by Metro Imaging — up to 12 C-type prints at 16×12 inches — and a portfolio review with Creative Director Professor Steve Macleod. The combination is designed to fund production of the work and prepare it for editorial placement.

The bursary funds only new original projects; ongoing work is not eligible. Travel to or within war zones is excluded. The award is given to individuals rather than groups or collectives.

There is no application fee, and the bursary is open to photographers worldwide. The 2026 deadline is July 6. Applications go through RPS's awards platform; applicants submit a project proposal rather than completed images.