The Getty has announced the winning photographers in its third “Unshuttered Open Call,” a statewide photo submission contest for teens.

This year’s theme “A Spectrum of…” asked photographers to consider the different spectrums they might inhabit or experience daily and their subjects. The Getty received more than 2,800 submissions from teenagers in 134 cities throughout California, all of which underwent a thorough review and consideration process. Twenty-five winning photographers were selected by a panel of judges.

The judges included artists Jamaal Hasef Tolbert, Aydinaneth Ortiz and Sloane Sinclaire, who were also part of the 2022 “Unshuttered Open Call” winning cohort; Arpad Kovacs, associate curator of photographs; Carolyn Peter, assistant curator of photographs; Keishia Gu, head of education; Elizabeth Escamilla, assistant director for education and public programs; Richard Rand, associate director for collections; and Tuyet Bach, interpretive content specialist at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

“We are so grateful and inspired by the photographs and level of engagement we had from young photographers. It is an honor to see their work, and to read their artist statements. Their photos offer great insight to the experiences, interests and priorities of the young people who will shape our state in the future,” said Brittany Prieto, senior education specialist for youth programs at the Getty Museum. “Our hope is that the ‘Unshuttered Open Call’ is a catalyst for creativity that then continues and expands for young photographers. We look forward to sharing and celebrating the 25 outstanding photographs in the months ahead.”

This year’s open call was inspired by the priorities and concerns many young people have previously shared in other submissions, while celebrating the distinct perspectives and experiences that make each person unique. The winning photographers will have their photographs shared in “Unshuttered’s” online gallery and presented in public art spaces across California. They will also receive a professional-grade print of their photograph and will receive feedback from a professional photographer. The winners will be invited for a VIP visit to the Getty Center, with travel reimbursement included.

“Unshuttered” is a photographybased initiative that provides a platform for learning, sharing and other opportunities for teens, young people and teachers across the country.

Since its inception, the program has offered a photography intensive program for teens, an app for sharing photographs and skill-building, a nationwide contest for original photographs from young artists, lesson plan resources for high school educators and exhibitions at The Getty and online.

For information and to view the winning photos, visit unshuttered.org.