Getty announces the winning photographers of its third Unshuttered Open Call, a statewide photo submission contest for teen photographers.
This year’s theme, “A Spectrum of…” asked photographers to consider the different spectrums they might inhabit or experience daily and those they witness.
Getty received more than 2,800 submissions from teenagers residing in 134 cities throughout California, all of which underwent a thorough review and consideration process. Twenty-five winning photographers were selected by a panel of judges.
The panel of judges included artists Jamaal Hasef Tolbert, Aydinaneth Ortiz, and Sloane Sinclaire, who was also part of the 2022 Unshuttered Open Call winning cohort; Arpad Kovacs, associate curator of photographs, Carolyn Peter, assistant curator of photographs, Keishia Gu, head of education, Elizabeth Escamilla, assistant director for education and public programs, Richard Rand, associate director for collections, and Tuyet Bach, interpretive content specialist at the J. Paul Getty Museum.
“We are so grateful and inspired by the photographs and level of engagement we had from young photographers. It is an honor to see their work, and to read their artist statements. Their photos offer great insight to the experiences, interests, and priorities of the young people who will shape our state in the future,” says Brittany Prieto, senior education specialist for youth programs at Getty. “Our hope is that the Unshuttered Open Call is a catalyst for creativity that then continues and expands for young photographers. We look forward to sharing and celebrating the 25 outstanding photographs in the months ahead.”
This year’s Open Call was inspired by the broadly shared priorities and concerns many young people have previously shared in other submissions while celebrating the distinct perspectives and experiences that make each person unique.
The winning photographers will have their photographs shared in Unshuttered’s online gallery and presented in public art spaces across California. They will also receive a professional-grade print of their photograph and connect with a photography professional for direct feedback. Lastly, the winners will be invited for a VIP visit to the Getty Center, with travel reimbursement included.
Unshuttered is a photography-based initiative that provides a platform for learning, sharing, and other opportunities for teens, young people, and teachers across the country. Since its inception, Unshuttered has offered a photography intensive program for teens, an app for sharing photographs and skill-building, a nationwide contest for original photographs from young artists, lesson plan resources for high school educators, and exhibitions at Getty and online.
View a gallery of the 25 winning works.
Full list of winners
Ashley Pomeroy
Benjamin Xia
Brandon Paolim
Caitlyn Ahri Kim
Carl Jacob Li
Declan McGough
Dominic Benson Landes
Elina Lee
Eliza Ettinger
Emillia Dailey
Emmett Whitaker
Flynn Messick
Francesca Varese
Jake Spark
Julieta Flores
Juliette Doan
Nahum Vidal
Oliver Marks
Penelope De Soto
Revin Yamashiro
Samaya Sayana-Manchanda
Siena Grouf
Tallulah Heder
Turin Burdick
Wyatt Lusher
