W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography 2009

W. Eugene Smith learned the hard way that photography could be too easy, a matter of making expert images of interesting subjects. He set himself to learn the truth - about himself as well as his subjects. In the process, he produced a series of photographic essays, for LIFE and other publications, whose passionate involvement set a standard for what photography can be.

Yearly. For a photographer whose past work and proposed project, as judged by a panel of experts, follows the tradition of W. Eugene Smith's compassionate dedication. For 2009, the amount of the grant will be $30,000. An additional $5,000 in fellowship money will be dispersed, at the discretion of the jury, to one or more finalists deemed worthy of special recognition. Awards will be presented in a ceremony held in New York City in early October.

Deadline for receipt of applications : (May 15, 2009) extended to June 1.

W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography

2008 Recipient: Mikhael Subotzky

2007 : Stephen Dupont for Narcostan | the perils of freedom
2006 : Paolo Pellegrin
2005 : Pep Bonet
2004 : Trent Parke
2003 : Stanley Greene
2002 : Kai Wiedenhöfer
2001 : Maya Goded
2000 : Brenda Ann Kenneally
1999 : Chien-Chi Chang
1998 : Ernesto Bazan
1997 : Alain Keler
1996 : Gideon Mendel
1995 : Vladimir Syomin
1994 : Ellen Binder
1993 : James Nachtwey
1993 : Marc Asnin
1992 : Eli Reed
1991 : Dario Mitidieri
1990 : Carl DeKeyzer
1989 : Cristina Garcia Rodero
1988 : Paul Graham
1987 : Graciela Iturbide
1986 : John Vink
1985 : Letizia Battaglia
1985 : Donna Ferrato
1984 : Gilles Peress
1983 : Milton Rogovin
1982 : Sebastião Salgado
1981 : Eugene Richards
1980 : Jane Evelyn Atwood

The W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography was established in 1978 following the death of Gene Smith, the legendary American photo essayist. It is today the most prestigious honor in documentary photography. Every year it recognizes a photographer who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to documenting the human condition in the spirit of Smith's concerned photography and dedicated compassion.