Disaster girl banks her NFT for college, fashion photography from the 20’s and more

May 20th, 2021

Welcome the latest issue of Snapshots, where we recap news and highlights from the photography community.

NFT for “disaster girl” meme hits big.

If an image is worth a thousand words, this one is also worth $473,000. You have most likely seen the meme in dozens (hundreds?) of posts. For Zoe Roth, the photo her father took is as iconic as Grumpy Cat or Success Kid. Now her fame as a meme is going to help pay off her student loans (and help a charity or two). Here’s a quick read on her meme to riches story.

Photography and the American Magazine.

Photography, graphic design, and popular magazines converged to transform American visual culture from the 1930s to the 1950s. An exhibition including great image-makers from that time is up at the Jewish Museum. Famous images include Lillian Bassman’s A Report to Skeptics featuring Suzy Parker, and Frances McLaughlin-Gill’s Nan Martin, Street Scene; which bring to life the fashion, architecture, and design of the day.

Drag is art. Is fun. Is dazzling.

Photography is an art form. So it’s always fun to see how photographers capture the artistry of drag. For one perspective, enjoy this interview highlighting Marko Monroe, Adam Ouahmane, and Liam James Doyle who are behind the lens for many of the looks on social media, including stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

The interview gives a look at how their iconic work comes to life and how they collaborate with their partners.

OMG. Food photos that make you cry, laugh and appreciate life.

The Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year contest always delights. This year with over 30 categories including World Food Programme Food for Life, Food in Action, Cream of the Crop, and the Champagne Taittinger Wedding Food Photographer you’ll see a range of emotions and amazing lighting and a global perspective. They did not disappoint this year. Take a look at the winners on the Pink Lady site.

Learn More (Spend as much time as you like to enjoy the great images!)

Last chance to apply for the Eugene Smith Grant.

This year four winners will be awarded Eugene Smith Grants. The update on the website states, “Recognizing the widespread financial need caused by the worldwide pandemic, the W. Eugene Smith Grant in Humanistic Photography will once again break from tradition in 2021. Rather than award $40,000 to a single photographer, the W. Eugene Smith Memorial Fund will award $10,000 to five photographers whose work follows the tradition of compassionate photojournalism exhibited by W. Eugene Smith during his 45-year career.”

The deadline is May 30 with an application fee of $50. There is also a student category with a $10 entry fee if you know someone who might qualify. Find out more on the official grant website:

Learn more (5-10 minutes. Longer if you read the FAQ’s)