The Marai Photo Grant empowers young South Asian photographers (under 26) to create compelling photo stories on the theme of water scarcity, guided by mentorship from Agence France-Presse (AFP). Winners receive prize money, Nikon equipment, professional mentoring, and international exposure through AFP’s global wire. Only 500 slots are available, making early applications essential.

The Marai Photo Grant supports emerging South Asian photographers in documenting urgent environmental issues through powerful visual storytelling. The 2026 theme focuses on water scarcity and how it shapes daily life, community survival, and sustainable futures.

Theme for 2026: “My Reality. Now. Water Scarcity”

The competition asks applicants to portray real-life stories of how water scarcity affects their local community.
Projects should:

Show the human impact of water shortages
Raise awareness on sustainability
Communicate urgency and emotional depth
Encourage collective responsibility and action

What the Grant Provides

The grant offers a combination of financial, technical, and professional development benefits.

Award Components

Prize money for both Female and Male category winners
Nikon photography equipment
One runner-up per category receives additional Nikon gear
AFP mentorship throughout project development
Global exposure via AFP’s international news wire

Mentorship Program

Winners receive structured guidance from AFP photographers and editors.

Key Features of Mentorship

One-on-one sessions
Clear objective-setting
Regular progress reviews
Training on journalistic photography standards
Final evaluation at the program’s end

Who Is Eligible?

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Must be younger than 26 as of January 1, 2026
Must reside in their South Asian home country
Must hold nationality from: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, or Bhutan
Must apply according to the gender listed on their passport (Male or Female category)
Must commit to producing a water scarcity photo story
Must submit a valid ID

Portfolio and Project Requirements

Applicants must submit:

A portfolio of four recent photographs
A project proposal (up to 1500 characters)
A valid identity document
Work free from AI-generated or AI-assisted imagery

Why This Grant Matters

The Marai Photo Grant:

Amplifies youth voices on climate and environmental issues
Encourages authentic and ethical visual storytelling
Offers direct mentorship from a leading global news agency
Provides a pathway into professional news and documentary photography
Elevates local issues to a global audience

How to Apply

Follow these steps to strengthen your application.

Step 1: Prepare Your Portfolio

Select four recent photographs that demonstrate:

Strong visual composition
Ability to capture human stories
Technical skill and authenticity

Step 2: Write a Strong Project Proposal

Your 1500-character proposal should:

Describe the community affected by water scarcity
Explain your planned approach to documenting the issue
Highlight why this story matters now
Present a clear narrative vision

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Valid passport or national ID
Proof of residency (if required)

Step 4: Submit Early

Only 500 application slots are available. Early submission increases your chances of securing a spot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting AI-generated or AI-edited photographs
Missing the age requirement
Proposals exceeding the character limit
Weak narratives without community context
Photos unrelated to the theme
Waiting too long to apply after slots fill up

FAQ

1. Can I apply if I turn 26 later in 2026?

No. You must be under 26 on January 1, 2026.

2. Are AI-edited photos allowed?

No. All submitted images must be free from AI generation or AI assistance.

3. Can I apply if I am studying abroad?

You must reside in your home South Asian country at the time of application.

4. How many images can I submit?

You must provide exactly four recent photographs for your portfolio.

5. Can I apply to a category different from my gender ID?

No. The category must match the gender listed on your passport.

6. Will AFP publish my final project?

Selected projects will be showcased via AFP’s global news wire.

7. Are there application fees?

No. Entry is free.

Conclusion

The Marai Photo Grant is a rare opportunity for young South Asian photographers to gain mentorship, global visibility, and professional growth while documenting one of the region’s most urgent environmental challenges. With limited application slots and a powerful theme, early and well-prepared submissions are key to success.