Shoot With People.
Not At Them.
We're building the library disability deserves — and we need photographers who understand the difference between documentation and collaboration. If that's you, read on.
The Alt-Frame Standard
// WHAT WE MEAN BY SOVEREIGN PHOTOGRAPHY
Subject Authority
The subject directs the shoot. You execute their vision technically. They choose the setting, the framing concept, the tone. Your job is to make their idea real — not to interpret disability on their behalf.
Technical Precision
We accept RAW files only. Minimum 24MP. No stock lighting setups — shots should feel lived-in, not staged. We're not looking for clinical aesthetics; we're looking for high-fidelity documentation of real life.
The Alt Text Contract
You never write the alt text. The subject does. Your submission is incomplete without a creator-authored description from the person in the photo. This is non-negotiable and it's the point.
What We Need Right Now
// PRIORITY CATEGORIES FOR THIS OPEN CALL
Professional & Civic Life
Disabled people at work, in meetings, at events, leading, organizing. Not inspiration. Just professionals.
Assistive Tech & Mobility
Wheelchairs, prosthetics, AAC devices, canes, service animals — in motion, in context, owned.
Urban & Public Space
Disabled people navigating, thriving, existing in public — not performing accessibility for the camera.
BIPOC & Intersectional Identities
The intersection of race and disability is chronically underrepresented. This is a priority category for every open call we run.
How a Shoot Works
// PROCESS FROM SUBMISSION TO ARCHIVE
Submit Portfolio
Share your portfolio and tell us about your experience working with disabled subjects. We review every application personally.
Match with Creator
We connect you with a disabled model or creative who wants to direct a shoot. You two collaborate on the concept — they lead.
Shoot & Deliver RAW
Photograph the shoot. Deliver full-resolution RAW files plus a selection of processed JPEGs. No watermarks, no compression.
Creator Authors Alt Text
The subject writes their own alt text. Your submission goes live in the library crediting both of you. Revenue is split 50/50.
Technical Requirements
// SUBMISSION SPECIFICATIONS
From the Field
// EARLY CONTRIBUTORS ON THE COLLABORATION MODEL
"I've shot for major agencies. The difference here is that I showed up as a technician, not a storyteller. My subject had the concept. I just had the gear. The result was the best work I've made in years."
Jordan Park
Documentary Photographer"The model release process was different — she had veto rights built into the agreement. I thought it would be uncomfortable. It was liberating. We trusted each other because the document required it."
Priya Okafor
Portrait Photographer"Alt text I didn't write. That felt strange at first. Then I read what she wrote about her own photo and understood why it could never have been me."
Dev Castillo
Editorial PhotographerSubmit Your Portfolio
// OPEN CALL — PHOTOGRAPHER INTAKE
We review every submission personally. We'll be in touch within 5 business days — either to move forward or to let you know honestly what we'd need to see from you first.
Looking to participate as a model or creative?
Call for Models & Creatives