Photography is one of the most compelling forms of storytelling. It has the ability to capture moments, emotions, and narratives that words often fail to convey. Yet, many emerging photographers face a significant challenge: securing the financial and institutional support necessary to refine their craft and break into the industry.
This is where philanthropy steps in, acting as a catalyst that not only creates opportunities but also nurtures the next generation of visual storytellers. Through initiatives like the Saltzman Prize, CatchLight’s fellowships, and innovative French programs such as unRepresented salon opening in Paris this week, dedicated individuals and organizations are offering vital funding, mentorship, and platforms for exposure, ensuring that fresh voices continue to shape the future of photography.
The Saltzman Prize: a legacy of support for emerging photographers
The Saltzman Prize stands as more than just another award; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity for rising photographers. Established in 2024 by CPW Trustee Lisa Saltzman, a passionate photographer and philanthropist, the prize offers much-needed financial support while simultaneously providing exposure and recognition—two vital elements for career advancement. In collaboration with the CPW (formerly known as the Center for Photography at Woodstock), the prize honors both emerging talent and the legacy of Saltzman’s parents, Ralph and Muriel, who were avid art collectors and patrons.
At the heart of the prize is a $10,000 grant, the CPW Vision Award for Emerging Photographer, and a solo exhibition at CPW’s new space in Kingston, NY. These offerings provide not only financial aid but also invaluable visibility that can truly transform a photographer’s career.
Keisha Scarville, the inaugural recipient of the Saltzman Prize in 2024, is having a breakout year, solidifying her place as a major force in contemporary photography. Since receiving the prestigious award, she has been unstoppable, with three exhibitions currently on view at CPW, International Center of Photography, and Higher Pictures in New York, and a recent show at Webber Gallery in Los Angeles. Scarville’s work, known for its evocative exploration of identity, memory, and transformation, continues to captivate audiences and command critical acclaim.
In an interview with Creative Boom, Keisha Scarville shared her appreciation for receiving the inaugural Saltzman Prize, calling it a “wonderful honour.” She spoke about her deep connection to photography, saying, “Photography has been my obsession from the first time I stepped into a darkroom. It has brought me solace and entangled me at the same time.” Scarville also expressed her gratitude for an award that “advances and fosters the path for future image makers.”
The recent recipient, Qiana Mestrich, epitomizes the power of the Saltzman Prize. As an artist, photo historian, and writer, Mestrich’s work weaves together art and research, exploring complex themes of Black and mixed-race identity, motherhood, and women’s experiences in corporate labor. Her inclusion in the Saltzman Prize highlights the diversity of voices and perspectives the initiative seeks to uplift.
In an interview with CPW, Mestrich reflected on the significance of receiving the inaugural Saltzman Prize, calling it “a deeply moving honor” after more than a decade dedicated to photography-based art. “To have my work recognized by such a distinguished jury is truly humbling,” Mestrich said. They also highlighted CPW’s impact on their artistic journey, describing it as “an invaluable pillar of support” for both personal and collaborative projects. “I’m profoundly grateful to be woven into the enduring legacy of this remarkable art institution,” they added.
The CPW is undergoing a significant transformation, with its new location in Kingston further solidifying its commitment to photography as both an art form and a storytelling tool. Lisa Saltzman’s vision extends beyond the Saltzman Prize, as she has also launched the Annie Leibovitz-Saltzman Prize. This initiative, founded in partnership with legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, serves to amplify the voices of emerging photographers. Six shortlisted photographers were chosen from Leibovitz’s mentorship program, a key component of her role as an IKEA Artist in Residence.
The inaugural 2025 Saltzman-Leibovitz Photography Prize has already unveiled a remarkable shortlist, including Elena Kalinichenko, Ka’Vozia Glynn, Praise Hassan, Toma Hurduc, Trâm Nguyễn Quang, and Zélie Hallosserie. With a prize fund of $20,000 and a panel of esteemed judges, this initiative offers an unparalleled opportunity for the next wave of talent in the industry.
For Saltzman, the value of these prizes extends beyond the financial rewards. She sees them as crucial steps toward validation, recognition, and lasting career opportunities. “I created the Saltzman Prize and the Saltzman-Leibovitz Prize to support and help amplify the careers of emerging photographers,” Saltzman says. “I was inspired by my parents, who were passionate art collectors and philanthropists. I saw the need for prizes that offer real support.”
She acknowledges the crucial role these initiatives play in an industry that can be difficult for emerging talent to navigate. “It became clear to me that there was a lack of opportunities for photographers to further their careers,” she explains. “These prizes offer more than financial assistance—they offer affirmation and recognition. They give photographers a chance to push their boundaries and pursue projects they might have previously thought impossible.”
Saltzman also emphasizes the broader impact of philanthropy on the photography landscape. “Philanthropy empowers artists to pursue their passions, develop their skills, and make a positive impact in the world,” she says. “Funding enables photographers to take on ambitious projects, fostering creativity and innovation.”
With these initiatives continuing to grow, Saltzman is determined to further expand her efforts. “The next step is to continue evolving these programs and ensure that they remain relevant in an ever-changing world,” she shares. “There is still so much good to be done.”
CatchLight: fostering long-form visual storytelling
At the intersection of journalism, media, art, and technology stands CatchLight, a San Francisco-based visual media organization dedicated to supporting visual storytellers. CEO Elodie Mailliet-Storm leads CatchLight’s mission, which centers on three pillars: restoring trust in local media, investing in visual storytellers through CatchLight fellowships, and uniting industry stakeholders to strengthen the field of visual media.
“CatchLight is dedicated to fostering the human element in visual journalism,” Mailliet-Storm explains. “In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping the media landscape, we remain committed to what sets photojournalism apart: its deep connection with communities.”
CatchLight recognizes the severe challenges faced by visual journalists—especially financial instability and professional isolation. “Over the past few decades, nearly half of all visual journalism jobs in the U.S. have been cut, leaving many photojournalists in precarious situations,” Mailliet-Storm notes. In response, CatchLight launched the CatchLight Local program, a partnership-driven model that funds sustainable visual journalism positions in newsrooms across the country.
Beyond the financial challenges, photojournalists often face the isolating nature of their work. CatchLight addresses this by creating a sense of community through events like the CatchLight Visual Storytelling Summit and the Night of Photojournalism tour. These gatherings offer opportunities for networking, learning, and collective growth, ensuring that visual journalists feel supported and connected.
Through CatchLight Local, newsrooms gain access to new photography roles, supporting emerging talents who are deeply rooted in their communities. “A big part of building trust with a local audience is authentically representing their stories,” Mailliet-Storm emphasizes.
CatchLight also extends its support globally, offering the CatchLight Global Fellowship, which provides $30,000 grants, mentorship, and funding opportunities for visual practitioners shaping the future of the industry. Since its inception, nearly $800,000 has been awarded to 23 fellows,with more to come in 2025. The 2025 Global Fellows will be announced at the CatchLight Visual Storytelling Summit on May 3, 2025.
“Visual storytellers do more than document history—they influence policy and public discourse,” Mailliet-Storm shares, citing the example of CatchLight Local Fellow Larry Valenzuela, whose visual feature on California’s mobile medical units for the homeless led to a federal policy change in 2023.
With ongoing innovations and new initiatives like mobile video workshops and photojournalist safety training, CatchLight continues to strengthen the fabric of visual journalism, ensuring that its power to inform and inspire remains unwavering.
French innovations: expanding the frontiers of photography
France has long been at the forefront of artistic revolutions, and today, a new wave of philanthropic efforts is reshaping the landscape of contemporary photography. Emilia Genuardi, the visionary behind the A ppr oc he and unRepresented photo fairs, is leading this charge. Her latest initiative, a groundbreaking grant for emerging photographers from the French Caribbean and Amazonian regions, is designed to elevate voices that have historically been underrepresented.
UnRepresented 2025 at Le Molière (April 4–6, 2025) in Paris showcases a diverse group of photographers pushing the boundaries of the medium. Artists like Jordan Beal, Fanny Béguély, Jérémie Bouillon, and Gaëlle Cueff experiment with the materiality of photography, while Anna Rosa Krau and Julie Laporte focus on sustainable practices, and Elisa Valenzuela, Patrick Rimond, and Tis & Vitaly push the boundaries of perception and transformation, with Mathilde Eudes taking over the space with an immersive installation of luminous particles. The exhibitions encourage viewers to reflect on the materiality of the image and its potential for transformation.
“We noticed the lack of visibility for artists from these regions in mainland France,” Genuardi explains. “This grant offers more than financial support; it provides mentorship, global mobility opportunities, and a prestigious solo exhibition at the unRepresented salon in Paris.”
The first recipient, Martinique-based photographer Jordan Beal, exemplifies the potential of this initiative. Selected by a panel of top curators and art professionals, Beal will showcase his work, which explores identity and cultural heritage, at the unRepresented salon in April 2025.
On social media, Beal expressed gratitude for being selected as a laureate of the first scholarship supporting contemporary French-Caribbean and Amazonian creation, an initiative of the unRepresented exhibition by Rubis Mécénat, Approche Paris, and La Station Culturelle. He announced that he would be presenting, for the first time, a project he began in 2022 during a residency with Tropiques Atrium in Martinique.
“Thanks again to Approche, to Rubis Mécénat, to La Station Culturelle, and to my nominee @matilde.dos for offering me this great opportunity,” Beal wrote. He also extended his appreciation to the jury members and supporters, including Emilia Genuardi and others for their trust and support.
This initiative reflects unRepresented’s broader mission: to dismantle traditional barriers in the art world and foster meaningful connections between artists and patrons. “Philanthropy plays a vital role in this process,” Genuardi says. “Patrons don’t just fund production costs—they also provide exposure and career development opportunities.”
Genuardi envisions expanding her philanthropic efforts through both Approche and unRepresented, fostering an ecosystem where talent can thrive. “Philanthropy isn’t just about funding—it’s about shifting narratives and creating spaces where innovative voices are celebrated,” she states.
The future of photography, fueled by philanthropy
Philanthropy is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of photography, transforming financial support into tangible opportunities for emerging artists. From the Saltzman and Saltzman-Leibovitz Prizes to CatchLight’s investment in visual journalism and France’s efforts to amplify underrepresented voices, these initiatives are breaking down barriers and ensuring that fresh, impactful stories continue to emerge.
These programs offer more than just funding; they provide validation, exposure, and mentorship—critical elements that help emerging photographers navigate a highly competitive field. As the industry evolves, philanthropy ensures that powerful voices are heard, stories are told, and photography remains a vital force for art, journalism, and social change.
unRepresented is on view at Le Molière in Paris from April 4 to 6, 2025. More information here.
More information on Catchlight here. More information on the Saltzman Prize here.
