At the Houston Center for Photography, we are committed to fostering and promoting exceptional photographic talent. Our annual Fellowship Awards open call serves as a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work and gain recognition within the photographic community. In 2023, during the evaluation process of the Fellowship Awards, the submissions of William Camargo and Mehrdad Mirzaie stood out to our esteemed Juror, Zora J Murff, for their exceptional quality and profound impact.

While these two talented artists did not secure the fellowship award, Murff was deeply moved by the strength and significance of their artwork. Recognizing the importance of their contributions to the field of photography, we made the deliberate decision to create online exhibitions dedicated to honoring their work as Honorable Mentions.

Camargo and Mirzaie's artistic visions are captivating; demonstrating a profound understanding of the medium and a unique perspective on the world around us. Their photographs provoke thought, spark conversation, and invite viewers to engage with important social and cultural issues. By showcasing their work in online exhibitions, we aimed to provide them with a platform to reach a wider audience and to celebrate their artistic achievements.