Amateur photographers are rallying to address a long-standing issue on Wikipedia—the prevalence of outdated and unflattering images of celebrities. Despite Wikipedia being a widely accessed website, many profiles feature subpar photographs, prompting some users to create dedicated social media accounts to highlight the most egregious examples. The problem stems from copyright restrictions; images taken by professional photographers at events are often protected and cannot be used freely on the platform, which operates primarily on volunteer contributions.
In response, a new initiative called WikiPortraits has emerged, spearheaded by enthusiasts aiming to recruit volunteer photographers and provide them with credentials to attend high-profile events. “Wikipedia has consistently struggled with inadequate imagery of notable individuals,” explained co-founder Kevin Payravi from the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Alongside co-founder Jennifer Lee, they've set up a photo booth to capture better portraits.
Their project began at the start of 2024, with a team of self-volunteered photographers helping to revamp Wikipedia’s image library. Despite being unpaid, many contributors are either passionate hobbyists or professionals looking to enhance their portfolios. So far, 55 photographers have participated, capturing images at prestigious festivals like Sundance and Cannes. Bryan Berlin, a high school photography teacher involved with the project, shared how improved images can enhance the informational quality of Wikipedia—a resource relied upon by millions.
The initiative has already made notable strides; several well-known figures now feature updated images on their Wikipedia pages, enhancing their online presence. As the project gains momentum, its organizers set their sights on covering even more significant events, dreaming of securing credentials for high-profile ceremonies such as the Met Gala and the Oscars, a milestone they believe would mark their success in raising the platform’s visual standard.
In response, a new initiative called WikiPortraits has emerged, spearheaded by enthusiasts aiming to recruit volunteer photographers and provide them with credentials to attend high-profile events. “Wikipedia has consistently struggled with inadequate imagery of notable individuals,” explained co-founder Kevin Payravi from the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Alongside co-founder Jennifer Lee, they've set up a photo booth to capture better portraits.
Their project began at the start of 2024, with a team of self-volunteered photographers helping to revamp Wikipedia’s image library. Despite being unpaid, many contributors are either passionate hobbyists or professionals looking to enhance their portfolios. So far, 55 photographers have participated, capturing images at prestigious festivals like Sundance and Cannes. Bryan Berlin, a high school photography teacher involved with the project, shared how improved images can enhance the informational quality of Wikipedia—a resource relied upon by millions.
The initiative has already made notable strides; several well-known figures now feature updated images on their Wikipedia pages, enhancing their online presence. As the project gains momentum, its organizers set their sights on covering even more significant events, dreaming of securing credentials for high-profile ceremonies such as the Met Gala and the Oscars, a milestone they believe would mark their success in raising the platform’s visual standard.
