Photography Contest

W. Eugene Smith Grant 2024

W. Eugene Smith Grant 2024

Deadline |

10/08/24

Theme |

Humanistic Photography

Territory |

Worldwide

Eligibility |

Professional photographers

Entry Fees |

$50

Prizes |

Cash Prize
The W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography is presented annually to a photographer whose past work and proposed project, as judged by a panel of experts, follows the tradition of W. Eugene Smith's concerned photography and dedicated compassion evidenced during his 45-year career as a photographic essayist. This Grant is designed to help a photographer begin a photographic project or help complete an ongoing photographic project. The Judges will be looking for a photographer whose proposed project seems most likely to use exemplary and compelling photojournalism (possibly supplemented by or incorporating multi-media) to address an issue of import and impact related to the human condition; social change; humanitarian concern; armed conflict or interpersonal, psychological, cultural, social environmental, scientific, medical and/or political significance, ideally expressing an underlying acknowledgement of our common humanity

Applicants should submit provisional or ongoing work from an as-yet-to-be completed project that would likely benefit from (and likely be concluded if) the photographer were to receive the grant. Applicants may also submit limited supplementary past work on a related subject as a way of demonstrating the photographer's ability to execute the new proposed project. A written project proposal is required.

The W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, independently administers the grant program that provides photographers with the financial freedom to carry out or complete a major photographic essay. For 2021, the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund will award $10,000 to five photographers in response to the global pandemic. All awards will be presented in a ceremony held in New York City in October 2021.

What the Recipient Receives

For 2024, the amount of the W. Eugene Smith Grant is $30,000. In addition, two $10,000 Finalist Grant will be awarded. Applicant also understands and agrees that if applicant is the recipient of the Grant, $24,000 will be paid upon receipt of the Grant, and $6000 will be paid upon receipt of twelve (12) digital images and twelve (12) prints within eighteen (18) months after receipt of the Grant. The Finalist Grants will pay $8,000 upon receipt of the grant and $2,000 will be paid upon receipt of twelve (12) digital images within eighteen (18) months after receipt of the Grant. Recipients must submit a final report detailing how the grant was used and how the money contributed to the success of the project.

The images shall become part of the W. Eugene Smith Legacy Collection at the International Center of Photography in New York. Applicant also agrees that as part of the unrestricted gift, the Smith Fund may exhibit the images and use them on a non-exclusive licensing basis to promote the activities of the Fund.

The W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, independently administers the grant program that provides photographers with the financial freedom to carry out or complete a major photographic essay.

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Best Photography Contests in 2023

Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2023 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!

ENDS 10/06/24
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Artists are invited to submit one or two images. These photographs will be printed and hung in the AddOn exhibition — completely anonymously — at Head On Photo Festival and online.
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Our 43rd printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Colors".
ENDS 10/08/24
The W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund plays an important role in the growth of an individual artist's work, in their rise to prominence, and in their legacy.
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The W. Eugene Smith Grant for Student Photographers is designed to encourage and support students
ENDS 10/10/24
€10,000 in cash plus a solo show at PhMuseum Lab, screenings at Photo Vogue Festival, and more
ENDS 10/13/24
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 10/15/24
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ENDS 10/22/24
Be Featured in our Novemberr 2024 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 10/31/24
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 11/05/24
Four winners across US, UK, Mexico, and Canada will receive $10,000 and a Leica SL3 set
ENDS 11/24/24
Finalists’ Exhibition + In-Person Portfolio Reviews
ENDS 11/29/24
Provides a platform for photography students worldwide - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
ENDS 01/03/25
Dedicated to young photographers under 19 years-old - first prize is top Sony digital imaging equipment plus benefit from global exposure
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Rewarding the best single images! Enter for free and you could win $5,000, top Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/10/25
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/19/25
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.