Deadline: January 31, 2026
The Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award 2026 is a prestigious annual opportunity designed to support emerging Canadian photojournalists through hands-on newsroom experience at a national news agency. The award offers a paid internship at The Canadian Press and honours the legacy of the late Tom Hanson, one of Canada’s most respected photojournalists.
The Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award 2026 provides early-career photographers with the opportunity to develop their editorial skills, expand their professional portfolio, and gain exposure to high-level news coverage in Canada.
About the Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award 2026
The Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award is an annual programme hosted by the Canadian Journalism Foundation in partnership with The Canadian Press. It is aimed at supporting emerging photojournalists by providing professional newsroom experience within a national media organisation.
The award commemorates the life and work of Tom Hanson, whose photojournalism career was marked by dedication, integrity, and excellence in visual storytelling.
Internship Structure and Location
Successful applicants will be awarded a six-week paid internship at The Canadian Press head office in Toronto, Canada.
The internship typically takes place between April and September, depending on newsroom scheduling and mutual availability.
During the internship, award recipients will:
- Work alongside experienced editors and photographers
- Participate in daily editorial photojournalism assignments
- Gain exposure to national and regional news coverage
- Develop newsroom workflow, deadline management, and editorial judgement
Award Benefits
The Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award 2026 offers the following benefits:
- A six-week paid internship at The Canadian Press
- Weekly compensation at the start rate for photographers at The Canadian Press (approximately CAD 875 per week)
- Practical, real-world newsroom experience
- Professional mentorship from established photojournalists and editors
- National-level exposure for emerging photojournalists
Please note:
Travel, accommodation, and living expenses are not covered by the award.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award 2026 must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must be an emerging photojournalist with fewer than five years of professional experience
- Open to students, freelance photographers, and photographers working at regional or non-daily publications
- Must be willing and able to work in Toronto for the duration of the internship
- Applicants must have access to basic camera equipment
- Additional lenses and video equipment may be provided if required
Application Requirements
To be considered for the Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award 2026, applicants must submit the following:
1. Written Proposal
- A detailed proposal of up to 1,000 words
- Should explain how the internship will help expand professional photojournalism experience and career development
2. Photo Portfolio
- A portfolio of 12 to 25 photographs
- Each image must include a caption
- Optional brief background information may be included for each photograph
- Multimedia or video elements may be submitted as part of a multimedia presentation
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A current resume outlining education, experience, and relevant professional work
4. Optional Supporting Documents
- A letter of recommendation
- A multimedia presentation (optional)
Selection Focus
Applications are assessed based on:
- Quality and strength of the photo portfolio
- Clarity and purpose of the written proposal
- Demonstrated commitment to photojournalism
- Potential for professional growth through national newsroom exposure
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 31 January 2026
Late or incomplete applications are typically not considered.
Why Apply for the Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award 2026?
The Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award is a unique opportunity for emerging photographers to:
- Build national newsroom experience
- Strengthen editorial and visual storytelling skills
- Work within a professional news agency environment
- Honour and continue the legacy of a leading Canadian photojournalist
Need Help With Your Application?
If you need support with proposal drafting, refining, or professional review, contact us for expert assistance to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
