Mainframe Studios: Call for Photographers

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Mainframe Studios is looking to commission a photographer to take photos of each artist in their studio at Mainframe. These photos will be used to update the Artist Directory on Mainframe’s website. Photos may also be used by Mainframe artists' for their professional needs, as marketing material on social media, and/or Mainframe advertisement in community publications. This is a great paid opportunity to add to your portfolio, get paid, and contribute to the success of other Mainframe artists!

ELIGIBILITY

• Photographers must be current tenants of Mainframe Studios.
  • This project uses part of our marketing budget. We are reserving this opportunity for current Mainframe tenants. This ensures the project meaningfully reinvests in a photographer who works in the building and contributes to our vibrant organization and its sustainability.
• Photographers should have a portfolio that demonstrates a breadth of artistic merit, experience, and professionalism. 
• Photographers should understand Mainframe’s community mission and vision and align with Mainframe’s values of respect, collaboration, accessibility, sustainability, and experimentation.

PROCESS OVERVIEW

Please click here to read the project description for the RFQ.

IMPORTANT NOTE

While we have 181 studios, there are about 230 artists sharing spaces. This is a 2-3 year project. The goal for this project in Fall 2026 is for at least one-third of all artists (75-80) to participate. After Phase 1 is complete, the project will be assessed before contract renewal happens for Phase 2.

Phase 1: Fall 2026: 75-80 artists
Phase 2: Spring 2027: 75-80 artists 
Phase 3: Fall 2027: TBD

PHASE 1 TIMELINE:

Date	Event
June 22	Artist Directory Photo Project Announced
July 26 at 11:59pm	RFQ Application Due
August 11	All Applicants / Finalist Notified
August 12-14	Contract details and logistical planning with Mainframe Staff
August 17 - TBD	Artist Photo Sign Up
August 24 - November 6	Artist Directory Photos Taken
TDB	Mid-Project Check-in with Mainframe Staff
November 9, 2026	Final Edited Photos for Phase 1 Submitted

EXPECTATIONS & SCHEDULING 

Mainframe will promote photo interest signs-ups. Mainframe will work with the photographer on photographers’ preferred session sign-up method. Mainframe Studios will provide the photographer with a list of all the studios, and contact information of the artist that signed up to participate. Mainframe Studios will work with the photographer to collect and file releases / waivers from Mainframe Artists that will be photographed. 

The photographer must arrive on time and prepared for scheduled sessions. The photographer will provide all of their own equipment necessary to the project including, but not limited to; cameras, lenses, and lighting as needed.

The selected photographer must have general liability insurance. This covers third party bodily injury, and property damage.

The photographer will grant Mainframe Studios and the individual tenant/artist nonexclusive rights for use of the images.

 

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS & DELIVERABLES

There are about 230 artists and tenants. The goal for phase 1 of this project is for 75-80 artists to participate.

Final photos requirements: 

• Include the artist and the artists' work/studio in the image
• A consistent and cohesive look with even, full lighting
• In color
• Headshot or 3/4 view

The final deliverables must include:

• 2 fully edited images including at least 1 horizontal photo of each participating artist. 
• Final Photos File Type: High Res JPEG (300 dpi) and a web ready size (72–150 dpi).

 

PAYMENT

The selected artist will receive $6,000 total for phase 1. This will be paid in 2 parts: 50% paid upon signing of contract and 50% paid upon submission of all edited photos.

CONTRACT RENEWAL  

After the completion of Phase 1, the process and work will be reviewed before a contract renewal for Phase 2 and Phase 3.

Application Process: 

Important notes:

• Once you begin the application, you cannot save and return later.
• Please be sure you have all materials ready before starting.
• The full application should take approximately 10 minutes to complete if prepared.

Phase One (All Applicants): DUE JULY 26 VIA JOTFORM

• Name / Phone / Email + Website / Social media handles
• Brief artist statement (150 words max.)
• Resume of relevant experience (1-2 pages) that includes:
  • Previous relevant photography projects / commissions / collections
  • Exhibitions, festivals, awards, grants, etc.
• Photo samples: 5-10 images of previous and relevant work 
• Contact Information from 3 photo clients 
• Explanation of the method you will use for scheduling with artists. (Online applications, sign-ups, etc.) 
• What do you need from artists to be prepared for their photo session? 
• What do you need assistance with from Mainframe? Any questions you have for Mainframe? 
• Statement of interest: What interests you in this project? (75 words max)
• How would your involvement contribute to Mainframe’s shared environment and identity? (75 words max.)
• How does your expeirence uniquely position you for this project? (75 words max)
• Sign and initial understanding and support of Mainframe’s Community Agreement.
• Applicants will be notified on August 11th.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Applications will be reviewed by staff using a rubric for fair scoring. There are a total of 20 points.

Scoring will consider:

1). The quality of work samples

2). The experience and qualifications of the Photographer 

3). The alignment of the work samples with the project goal to create a consistent and cohesive look with even, full lighting

4). Interest and motivation to contribute to Mainframe’s shared environment and identity

5). Overall application and readiness. 

Please email any questions to Molly Kresse: molly@mainframestudios.org. 

 

 

Thank You!

Thank you for sharing your work. We look forward to reviewing your application. 

Should you have any questions, please contact:

• Molly Kresse | molly@mainframestudios.org