Although photography is often called a literal art form, portraiture can push the boundaries on the literal with constructed narratives. We are now open for entries to the 2024 edition with a theme of MAKE IT REAL : Staged Narratives in Portraiture seeking the deeper trajectories of storytelling, alternative realities or make-believe tales that infect our minds.

One can say that most directed portrait sessions are staged or constructed, to a degree - as in fashion photography, formal, environmental, and self-portraiture, as opposed to candid street or reportage photography. The re-enactment of histories and new identities allows viewers to enter into fable-esque worlds as in cinema or theatre productions and encourages dialogue and discourse because life is full of complexities that exist beyond mere art.

​ KLPA2024 invites photographers to submit staged portrait studies, from the simple command of 'turning of the head to face the camera', conceptualised self-portraits, to elaborately constructed set designs. Open to all photographers of all genres including experimental, conceptual, street, environmental, studio, self-portraits or inspired documentary narratives. Let's push the boundaries.

Top 40 photographers will have their portraits printed and exhibited at Temu House, our venue partner in Kuala Lumpur in July 2024 Prize

• 1st Prize: 2,000 USD
• 2nd Prize: 1,000 USD
• 3rd Prize: 500 USD
USD$250 will be awarded to the best 3 entries and the top 5 will participate in the print exhibition with the main category.
​ Open to all students under 25 years who are enrolled in full or part-time photography and art-related courses, subject to the theme MAKE IT REAL. Entries are free.