The grants are designed to finance and provide editorial support to new documentary photo projects. While retaining ownership of the resulting imagery, grant recipients also have the opportunity for a one-year exclusive marketing and licensing deal with Getty Images.

To apply, photographers need to submit a 550-word project proposal detailing the scope, significance and journalistic merit of their projects, which tend to be socially significant and politically charged. A portfolio of 30 to 60 previous pieces of work must accompany the proposal.

Independent judges presiding over the competition include directors of photography Simon Barnett of Newsweek and David Griffin of the National Geographic, International Center of Photography program chair Alison Morely and Vanity Fair photojournalism editor Rosanna Squera.

Michele McNally, assistant managing editor of The New York Times and previous judge in the grant program, says that the Getty competition brings forth a wide breadth and scope of talent. As to the subject matter, McNally wishes the Times had thought of doing many of the proposed stories.

Vice president of photo assignments Aidan Sullivan says Getty Images is proud to offer photographers the much-needed support for important projects. Two winners will be announced in February 2008.