from smithfund.org

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. Gene Smith was a loner, a driving and driven man, who bucked the system of which he was a part. Some say he sacrificed his career, and himself, on an altar of self-destructive idealism. When he died at the age of 59 in 1978, he had $18 in the bank. But his name had become synonymous with integrity. His work was his memorial.

Why, then, a memorial fund in his name? Those who knew Smith knew also that he needed friends at critical times. Many photographers today are working against the fashions and economics of modern publishing. The Fund was established in 1979 to seek out and encourage these independent voices. In the first twenty nine years of competition, from many thousands of proposals, the Fund selected 298 finalists who were seeking help in finishing major projects. Each was worthy of a grant.

In one way or another, a finalist must approach Gene Smith's own high standards. "I am a compassionate cynic," he wrote, "yet I believe I am one of the most affirmative photographers around. I have tried to let the truth be my prejudice. It has taken much sweat. It has been worth it."

Since 1979, the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund has been providing grants to deserving photographers exploring important photographic projects.

The W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography is presented annually to photographers whose past work and prospected projects for the coming year are judged by a panel of experts to be in the best tradition of the compassionate dedication exhibited by

W. Eugene Smith during his 45-year photojournalism career. The grant enables recipients to undertake and complete worthy photojournalistic projects.

For information about the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund, go to www.smithfund.org

2009 celebrates 30 years of grant giving.