Michael P. Smith Fund for Documentary Photography (MPS Fund) is sponsored by New Orleans Photo Alliance. This fund honors Michael P.

Smith, a documentary photographer, by awarding cash prizes and exhibition opportunities to Gulf Coast photographers.

Michael P. Smith Fund – New Orleans Photo Alliance 2025 Applications are open: All applications must be submitted by midnight (CST) on May 4th, 2026. https://alyssacoppelman.

com 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. The Michael P.

Smith Fund For Documentary Photography 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.

Bringing Emily Dickinson Flowers, Kristine Thompson Cane River Cows , John Paul Thompson Both emerging and established photographers residing in the Gulf Coast states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are eligible to apply for the MPS Fund. The subject matter for the proposed project is not limited to the Gulf Coast geographic region.

Riel and Bianca Sturchio : Chasing Light embodies the belief that representation, visibility, autonomy, and truth-telling can promote personal empowerment, and open up access to spaces that foster meaningful dialogue and community. View the Archive of Michael P. Smith Grantees and Finalists Michael P.

Smith (1937–2008) A New Orleans native and award-winning professional freelance photographer, Michael P. Smith spent a lifetime capturing the music, culture, and folklife of New Orleans and Louisiana.

He was well known for documenting New Orleans social club parades and jazz funerals, neighborhood Mardi Gras traditions, spiritual church ceremonies, and many of the city and state’s renowned jazz, blues rhythm and blues, and gospel musicians.

Smith photographed at every New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival from its inception in 1970 until his retirement in 2004, when he was honored with a major grandstand exhibition and photo kiosks placed around the Fair Grounds. In a brilliant career that spanned more than four decades, produced five books, and garnered a host of honors, including two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Smith was an inspiration, a role model and a mentor to many photographers in New Orleans and beyond.