The Clarence John Laughlin Award was created by the New Orleans Photo Alliance to support the work of photographers who use the medium as a means of creative expression. The award grants one $5000 prize annually to a fine art photographer who is creating or has completed a significant body of photographic work. John Wood, Editor of 21st Editions, is the inaugural juror.

This new award is open to emerging and established photographers who reside in the U.S. The online application process requires a portfolio of 10-20 photographs, a written statement, a bio or CV, and a $25 application fee. The application deadline is September 15, 2010. Only one recipient will be selected to receive the $5,000 award.

The guidelines are here, and the application is here.