August 7, 2024 (WASHINGTON DC)

American Photographic Artists (APA) is proud to announce Lynsey Weatherspoon (she/her) as the 2024 grant recipient for the annual LGBTQIAP+ Photography Grant sponsored by APA’s Washington, D.C., chapter (APA | DC).

A panel of distinguished jurors selected Lynsey’s project from 64 applications across the United States. She is a portrait and editorial photographer based in Atlanta and Birmingham, AL.

Lynsey’s grant submission, “I See Myself in You,” examines the intimate parts of Weatherspoon’s queer identity and experiences, and primarily comprises portraits of those who identify as Black and queer (womxn/non-binary/trans). The project explores how similarities and intersections in daily life allow for learning about oneself through others, inspired by her observation that the limited availability of images archiving the everyday lives of Black and queer people inhibits their establishment within the fabric of society. In creating this study she and her participants are creating a haven for their stories to be shared as a representation of their existence.

“Receiving the APA | DC LGBTQIAP+ Photography Grant is a fantastic honor, as this work has been very cathartic to my heart and mental wellness,” said Weatherspoon. “Hearing the stories of fellow queer and non-binary people during their continuous journey of finding themselves always leaves me humbled and thankful for their participation. This project has created conversations around the safety and presence of Black queer people and has allowed those same people to put their trust in me to be kind and honorable to their stories.”

APA|DC launched the $3,000 grant in 2022 for emerging and established photographers to celebrate diversity and help LGBTQIAP+ photographers receive funding, recognition, and representation in the professional photographic community. Photographers age 18+ in the United States and its territories who self-identified as LGBTQIAP+ were eligible to apply.

The grant’s jury panel consisted of industry leaders and included Michael Wichita, Photo Director, AARP; Whitney Hollington Matewe, Deputy Director of Photography at NBC News and MSNBC; May Lin Le Goff, Executive Creative Producer; Dominique Hildebrand, photo editor at National Geographic; Liam Woods, photographer and creative director.

“APA|DC is incredibly proud and thrilled to continue the sponsorship of this much needed grant to help amplify the voices of LGBTQIAP+ photographers. Our judges felt that Lynsey Weatherspoon’s project provides a vital space for the voices of intersectional communities, and that this award will give critical aid in support of the mission of this important work. We look forward to seeing ‘I See Myself in You’ be able to expand to reach ever greater audiences,” said Mike Morgan, APA|DC Chapter Chair.

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