Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography

The New Orleans Photo Alliance is excited to announce the open applications for the Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography (MPS Fund). This fund was established to honor the life and work of Michael P. Smith, one of New Orleans’ most legendary and beloved documentary photographers. The MPS Fund awards cash prizes and exhibition opportunities to photographers whose work demonstrates both artistic excellence and a sustained commitment to a cultural documentary project.

The Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography (MPS Fund) was created to honor the life and work of Michael P. Smith, one of New Orleans’ most legendary and beloved documentary photographers. The MPS Fund awards cash prizes and exhibition opportunities to Gulf Coast photographers whose work combines artistic excellence and a sustained commitment to a cultural documentary project.

Juror:

Alyssa Ortega Coppelman

https://alyssacoppelman.com

@alyssasi

Alyssa Ortega Coppelman is a photography consultant and photo editor based in Austin, Texas. She edits and sequences photobooks, crafting a cohesive flow from photographic bodies of work for publication in book form. She has been Art Editor at Oxford American magazine, where she focuses on inclusive representation and creative pairing of existing artwork for publication with stories on a wide variety of topics. She has also interviewed artists for published features.

For 21 years, Alyssa worked with Harper’s Magazine—most recently as Deputy Art Director—and continues to freelance for them. She has also worked at National Geographic as a senior photo editor, and as Archival Producer for PBS NewsHour’s Emmy-nominated interview series, Brief But Spectacular, sourcing archival and artistic visuals for each episode. Several artists she pitched as guests on the show were featured in episodes.

Finally, Alyssa loves speaking to photography students about their works-in-progress and potential career paths; and enjoys the intensity of teaching day-long photo-editing workshops.

Bringing Emily Dickinson Flowers, Kristine Thompson

Cane River Cows, John Paul Thompson

Both emerging and established photographers residing in the Gulf Coast states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia) are eligible to apply for the MPS Fund. The subject matter for the proposed project is not limited to the Gulf Coast geographic region.

Prize Info:

MPS Grant Winner 

MPS Grant Winner: $3000

Participation in PhotoNOLA Portfolio Review + Opportunity for Review Prize, NOPA Palladium membership

Exhibition opportunity 

TWO Honorable Mentions 

4 reviews PhotoNOLA Portfolio Review

NOPA Palladium Membership

Top 10 Finalists Receive NOPA Bromide Membership or upgrade, Portfolio Listing on NOPA site

• A portfolio of 10 to 20 images. These images can originate in any format, but you must submit them digitally via the online application process
• Each image file must be in jpg format at 150 dpi and 1800 pixels on the short side.
• Name your files with your last name, then first name and a title (can be abbreviated).
• Use an underscore to separate the names and title.
• At the end of the file name, add sequence numbers starting with 01 - Example: Doe_Jane_The Farm_01.jpg, Doe_Jane_The Farm_02.jpg, Doe_Jane_The Farm_03.jpg 
• Add a short caption or descriptive information as well as the year that you created the image.
• Enter and upload each image file and its accompanying information one at a time. After you have uploaded all of the files, you will be able to review and rearrange the sequence of your portfolio.

A concise description of your work (2-4 sentences that could summarize your project), limited to 260 characters maximum , which the juror will see alongside your portfolio. The description of works not the project statement.

A written project statement of not more than 530 words, explaining your project’s scope and significance. Please include your plans on how you would use the grant. The best practice is to write your statement beforehand, and then copy and paste your text into the Statement box.

A biography or resume/CV of not more than 530 words, describing awards, publications and other career highlights. 

All entry fees support the mission of the New Orleans Photo Alliance, a non-profit organization.

Both emerging and established photographers residing in the Gulf Coast states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia) are eligible to apply for the MPS Fund’s annual grant awards. The subject matter for the proposed project is not limited to the Gulf Coast geographic region.

Finalists and winner must provide Proof of Residency which must include government issued ID and another form stating residency for 1 year prior (may be utility, phone bill, and another approved source).

APPLICATION AND FEE
Application fee is $25. 
Application fee + NOPA membership: $55.

CALENDAR
All applications must be submitted by midnight (CST) of May 4, 2026.

JUDGING CRITERIA
The main criteria for selection will be the strength of the applicant’s portfolio and a written project statement (maximum of 530 words). The portfolio and statement should demonstrate the applicant’s commitment to a documentary project.