Shifting Perceptions: Photography grants for emerging talent from communities under represented in nature visuals

Capture the National Trails. Shift the Story.

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We’re calling on early-career photographers from communities under represented in nature visuals, including those from ethnically diverse, disabled and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to help us reshape the way the UK’s National Trails are seen.

National Trails UK’s Shifting Perceptions grants offer financial support and a platform for emerging photographers to tell fresh, authentic stories of the diverse people and places that make up our 20 National Trails.

Why this matters

At the moment, the variety of ways in which people connect with, enjoy and benefit from nature is not currently fully represented. This is resulting in a lack of inclusion in contemporary nature imagery. To address this, we’re creating a bold new image library along with other members of the protected landscapes family (Natural England, National Parks England, the National Landscapes Association) that reflects the full diversity of life on the trails with people of all abilities, backgrounds and communities enjoying the trails in all sorts of ways. Walking, wheeling (ie using a wheelchair or mobility scooter), cycling, horse riding, birdwatching, running, foraging, playing, volunteering, working, celebrating a religious holiday, relaxing, connecting and more.

Your images will help us:

• Challenge stereotypes of who the National Trails are for  
• Ensure the diversity of communities using the National Trails is seen
• Highlight the climate and nature benefits of the National Trails
• Celebrate the National Trails as places for health, wellbeing, and connection
• Show how they support communities and local economies
• Promote inclusion, access, and equity

What you’ll get:

• A £500 grant to support your creative work (£250 paid on sign of contract, £250 paid on delivery)
• Opportunities to photograph across one or more of the UK’s National Trails
• Mentoring and support (in the form of a phone call with a professional photographer)
• Your work featured in our new image library
• Exposure through our national channels

Who we’re looking for

• Early-career photographers (you don’t need to have formal training or qualifications)
• You must be over 18 to apply
• Proven experience with your equipment capturing both landscape, people-led imagery and ‘photo-stories’ (you’ll have a chance to share a portfolio with us to demonstrate this)
• From a diverse background or under represented community in nature. This could be because of your socio-economic background, age, shape or size. You could be from the Global Majority, or from the LGBTQ+ community. You may have a visible or invisible disability or be neurodivergent. If you don’t see yourself reflected in nature imagery we want to hear from you.
• Based in the UK
• Some basic editing skills are needed, as images need to be delivered ready for upload to our new image library
• Your images will be used by the Protected Landscapes Partnership (National Trails UK, National Parks England and National Landscapes Association and their members). You can of course use them for your own portfolio and professional development

Deliverables

• 2 x shoot locations on a National Trail(s) with 2 x groups of people that you already have a relationship with
• Post production and delivery of approximately 20-30 Hi Res images per location
• We want original, unmanipulated photography rather than post-production or AI-generated content, to tell an authentic and honest story
• Photos to illustrate a range of activities with a variety of groups/individuals. You could consider using different types of clothing to ring the changes/illustrate different seasons, ie raincoats/T-shirts

Deadline

• Applications close Midnight Sunday 15 Feb 2026
• Decision by 25th February 2026
• Project delivery: May 29 2026 latest, but earlier is preferred if available

Ready to tell a different story?

Apply now and help us show that the National Trails belong to everyone: Application for National Trails UK grant for early careers photographers   – Fill in form 

In addition to your application, please send any other supporting information (including the agreement from participants if you have it and your portfolio if you haven't provided a link on the application form) to Katec@nationaltrails.uk

Any questions email: katec@nationaltrails.uk

Please read our briefing document - see link below - for further information on the Shifting Perceptions Photography Grant