The Paula Riff Award was created by the Center of Photographic Art and Lenscratch in 2021 as a way to celebrate and continue the legacy of artist Paula Riff. Paula was an innovator, using lensless photography and historical processes to create objects of remarkable beauty.

The Award is open to artists whose art is challenging conventional photography through work that reflects the artist's hand, either based on the historical/alternative photographic processes or with physical intervention through cutting, sewing, etc.

One artist will receive $1000 and have their work featured on Lenscratch and on the Center for Photographic Art website. Additionally, in 2026, the Center for Photographic Art will be having an exhibition of the first 5 years of Paula Riff Award winners.