Want to Get Your Photography Event Funded? Here's a Million Dollars Ready to Be Claimed

Want to Get Your Photography Event Funded? Here's a Million Dollars Ready to Be Claimed
If you have an idea or an outline for a photography event that you would like to organize, there’s a community photography initiative that would love to hear from you. With $1,000,000 available to fund hundreds of events this year, the time to apply is now!

Aftershoot, a leading producer of AI-driven image culling and editing software that has earned high praise from the photography community, has set aside $1,000,000 for its Create Together Fund, which will fund 750 photography events taking place before the end of 2025, with the goal of strengthening collaboration and creativity across the photography industry.

This is actually the second year that Aftershoot has run this initiative. In 2024, the Create Together Fund supported photography events in four countries, with the participation of more than 600 photographers. Building on this success, the 2025 initiative will expand the fund's reach to support events in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Europe, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Create Together Fund will provide grants from $1,000 to $5,000 to fund a range of photography events in 2025, of different sizes and styles, including:

  • Meetups
  • Photowalks
  • Model shoots
  • Workshops

Anyone who is an active professional photographer, an emerging photography community leader, or a photography educator can apply. As previously mentioned, the funded events must take place between April and June of this year, and the Create Together Fund will cover a wide range of expenses incurred by hosting such an event, including but not limited to:

  • Venue rental fees and equipment purchases or rentals
  • Hiring models, props, makeup, costumes, and materials for shoots
  • Collaborating with allies who assist with event production
  • Event promotion and platform fees (Meetup, Eventbrite, etc.)
  • Ordering food and extra Aftershoot merchandise for the event

The application process has been designed to be quick and simple, and speed is definitely of the essence if you are interested in applying to get your photography event funded as part of the 2025 program. The path to getting your photography event funded looks like this:

  1. Fill out the application form – Share your event idea and how it will benefit photographers in your area.
  2. Plan your event – Whether it’s a photowalk, a workshop, or something new, tell them your vision.
  3. Get funded – If selected, you’ll receive 50% of the funding upfront and the remaining 50% post-event.
  4. Timeline – The event must be organized between April and June 2025.
  5. Build your community – Connect, create, and inspire photographers in your city.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 program and the deadline for applications is February 28, 2025.

You can find more details about the Create Together Fund on Aftershoot’s website, and there’s an easy to use, online application form if you’re interested in getting your application started right away.
Gordon Webster's picture

Gordon Webster is a professional photographer based in New England. He has worked with clients from a wide range of sectors, including retail, publishing, music, independent film production, technology, hospitality, law, energy, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, medical, veterinary, and education.

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1 Comment

Gordon, this is such an exciting initiative, and it’s great to see Aftershoot investing in the photography community in such a meaningful way. As a fashion and editorial photographer, I know firsthand how crucial collaboration and shared creative experiences are for growth. Events like these don’t just bring photographers together—they foster mentorship, networking, and artistic breakthroughs that can shape careers.

What stands out to me is how accessible this funding is, with grants supporting everything from model shoots to photowalks. The flexibility in event types allows photographers from different backgrounds—whether portrait, landscape, or commercial—to create experiences that truly resonate with their communities. It makes me wonder how we could push the boundaries of traditional photography meetups. Could we see more hybrid events blending photography with fashion design, performance art, or even technology-driven storytelling?

Beyond the financial support, I see an opportunity for lasting impact. If organizers document their events well, they could create case studies that inspire future initiatives, turning this into a movement rather than a one-time funding opportunity.

Paul Tocatlian
Kisau Photography
www.kisau.com