Black women photographers, it’s time to get your flowers—and your funding!
In a move that screams “we see you, we support you, and we’re putting money behind it,” Flickr, in collaboration with SmugMug, has announced a game-changing grant to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Black Women Photographers (BWP).
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The initiative, designed to uplift and empower Black women in photography, offers a $5,000 grant to help one lucky recipient advance her craft. The winner also receives a two-year Flickr Pro membership and a one-year SmugMug Pro subscription to level up their photography game. Ten additional recipients will each score a one-year Flickr Pro membership and a one-year SmugMug Pro subscription.
“Black Women Photographers play a vital role in driving inclusivity in the photography community,” said Crystal Duarte, Director of Marketing at Flickr. “We’re honored to collaborate again and help showcase the work and perspectives of these talented photographers.”
A panel stacked with industry heavyweights—including Polly Irungu, the founder of BWP and former White House Photographer and Editor; Genesis Falls, a past grant winner; MacKenzie Joslin, Flickr’s Community Manager; and Frederick Van Johnson of This Week in Photo—will review applications and select the winners.
For Irungu, this partnership is a full-circle moment. “Community is core to the work and identity of BWP, so I’m honored to partner with a brand that has been fostering that from day one,” she shared in a statement. “Flickr has poured back into their community countless times, and I am excited for them to pour into the BWP community with this grant opportunity.”
The application process is refreshingly simple:
- Submit one image that represents the theme: “The spaces you occupy.”
- Share a brief description of how your photo connects to the theme.
- Join the Black Women Photographers Flickr Group and post your submission.
Applications close on April 14, 2025, so don’t miss out! Whether you’re an emerging or seasoned photographer, this is your shot (pun intended) to gain funding, recognition, and resources to elevate your artistry.
Founded by Polly Irungu in July 2020, Black Women Photographers has grown into a global powerhouse with over 2,100 members across 60+ countries and 35+ U.S. states. More than just a directory, BWP is a hub where Black women creatives can get hired, amplify their work, and access career-boosting resources. To date, the organization has distributed more than $185,000 in financial grants to Black creatives, ensuring that talent isn’t overlooked due to lack of opportunity.
Since its 2004 launch, Flickr has become the world’s largest photography community, championing photographers by providing a safe and inclusive space to showcase their work. With SmugMug stepping in as its parent company in 2018, the brand has only strengthened its commitment to fostering creative communities.
So, if you’re a Black woman photographer looking for an opportunity to expand your craft, get your work seen, and secure the bag—this is it. Apply, share, and spread the word. For more details on the grant and how to apply, visit the Black Women Photographers Flickr Group.
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