larry lederman photography fellowship

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)’s Humanities Institute cordially invites applicants for a nine-month Larry Lederman Photography Fellowship, awarded to an outstanding photographer whose work focuses on gardens or landscapes. The grant is awarded annually to an established or emerging photographer whose work demonstrates excellence and a creative approach to the art of landscape photography.

The selected Fellow will receive a $20,000 grant disbursed in two installments for a nine-month term, March 15 through December 15, 2025, during which time the Fellow will have complimentary access to NYBG’s 250-acre landscape and historic collections.

During the nine-month term, the Fellow will pursue their personal vision of garden landscape photography in an urban setting, creating photographs that capture the aesthetic character, seasonality, and ephemeral quality of vibrant plant life. At least 20 percent of the work should include photos taken onsite at the New York Botanical Garden, a 250-acre National Historic Landmark site, or its affiliated community gardens.

A portfolio of at least 20 prints, from the submitted body of work, will be presented to the NYBG’s LuEsther T. Mertz Library at the end of the term, to become part of the Larry Lederman Fellowship Collection.

A nomination and advisory committee appointed by NYBG will assess applications. The committee will consider the appreciation for natural beauty that the applicants’ proposals will inspire. Todd Forrest, NYBG’s Arthur Ross Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections; Rhonda Evans, Director of NYBG’s LuEsther T. Mertz Library; Lucas Mertehikian, Director of NYBG’s Humanities Institute; Jay A. Levenson, Director of the International Program at the Museum of Modern Art; Bryan Whitney, member of the International Center of Photography faculty; and photographer John Maggiotto.

The Fellow will meet monthly with a liaison appointed by the advisory committee to discuss progress and obtain guidance.

At the end of the term, the Fellow is required to submit a portfolio of signed prints and digital images for inclusion in the Garden’s LuEsther T. Mertz Library and archives. An additional stipend will be available to cover the cost of printing and preparing the portfolio. The Fellow should also make themselves available to participate in a presentation, event, or exhibition arranged by NYBG.

NYBG will own the signed print portfolio subject to the Fellow’s retention of the copyright in the images; however, the Fellow will be required to grant NYBG an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide and royalty-free license to use and reproduce the images for its educational, publication, exhibition, promotional, fundraising, archival and other lawful purposes. This license will also extend to the Fellow’s biographical information, footage including his or her voice and likeness, and other materials relating to the Fellow as an individual and photographer.