Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography 2025

The Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography is an annual grant administered by the New Orleans Photo Alliance (NOPA). It honors Michael P. Smith, the New Orleans documentary photographer who spent decades photographing the city's musical, religious, and cultural life — work now held in the Historic New Orleans Collection.

The grant supports Gulf Coast photographers whose work combines artistic excellence with sustained commitment to a cultural documentary project. Eligibility is restricted by residency: applicants must reside in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, or Florida. Subject matter, however, is not limited to the Gulf Coast region — the photographer must be from there, the work need not be about there.

What's offered: the winner receives $3,000, access to the PhotoNOLA Portfolio Review, NOPA Palladium-level membership, and a NOPA exhibition. Two honorable mentions receive Portfolio Review access and NOPA membership. The top 10 finalists are listed on the NOPA website. The winner donates two prints to NOPA's permanent collection.

The 2025 cycle judge is Alyssa Ortega Coppelman, photography consultant and photo editor. Submission is through CaFÉ with 10–20 images and a $25 fee. The 2025 deadline was May 4, 2026.