Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography 2026

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 region: applicants must be from Gulf Coast states. Subject matter, however, is not limited to the Gulf Coast region — the photographer must be from there, the work need not be about there.

Top prize is $3,000. Winners donate two prints to NOPA's permanent collection and submit a final report by August 2026.

Submission is through CaFÉ with 10–20 images plus a 530-word project statement and bio. Fee is $25. The 2026 deadline was February 2.