The WikiPortraits initiative bridges the gap between amateur photography and the need for high-quality images on Wikipedia, ensuring better representation of public figures.
Revamping Wikipedia’s Images: Amateur Photographers Spotlight Celebrities
Revamping Wikipedia’s Images: Amateur Photographers Spotlight Celebrities
A collective of volunteer photographers aims to enhance Wikipedia's visuals, particularly for notable figures.
WikiPortraits, a project launched to improve the quality of images on Wikipedia, is gaining momentum with the help of amateur photographers committed to replacing outdated or unflattering celebrity photographs. Despite being one of the most frequented websites globally, Wikipedia's visual content has long been criticized for its poor quality, particularly concerning images of famous individuals. Many of these photos are either outdated or lack the professionalism expected by users, leading to public ire and even social media accounts dedicated to showcasing the most egregious examples.
The WikiPortraits initiative emerged in early 2024 when enthusiasts identified the lack of appealing and modern photographs on the platform. Recognizing that professional photographers often work with agencies and have their works copyrighted, the project aims to recruit volunteers to cover events like film festivals and award shows, where they can take fresh photographs and provide them under a Creative Commons license.
Founders Kevin Payravi and Jennifer Lee emphasize that while the project is a passion initiative - with contributors not receiving money - it fulfills a critical need for Wikipedia. "We've always noticed the absence of quality images," Payravi remarked, explaining their resolve to eradicate 'terrible' photos from the wiki database. This initiative has already attracted a global body of photographers, many of whom are Wikipedia enthusiasts or budding professionals looking to build their portfolios.
Photographer Bryan Berlin, who has taken photos of various celebrities at notable events such as Sundance and the New York Film Festival, expressed that improving the visual details on Wikipedia enriches the overall experience for users. His enthusiasm is shared by many contributors, who strive for the same goal — to capture the essence of individuals while representing them fairly on the platform.
The project has already made a significant impact, with approximately 55 photographers contributing, and their images garnering 100 million views per month. High-profile names, including Elijah Wood and Florence Pugh, now feature upgraded Wikipedia images courtesy of WikiPortraits. Furthermore, the initiative aims to feature underrepresented figures in the media who have not previously appeared with the dignity of a quality photo.
Looking ahead, the project aspires to include more diverse photographers and expand coverage to international events, while also showcasing accomplishments in various fields beyond entertainment. A primary goal outlined by Jennifer Lee is to secure credentials for high-profile events like the Met Gala and the Oscars, indicating their ambition to uphold the standard of representation on Wikipedia and elevate public perception of the shared knowledge platform.
The WikiPortraits initiative emerged in early 2024 when enthusiasts identified the lack of appealing and modern photographs on the platform. Recognizing that professional photographers often work with agencies and have their works copyrighted, the project aims to recruit volunteers to cover events like film festivals and award shows, where they can take fresh photographs and provide them under a Creative Commons license.
Founders Kevin Payravi and Jennifer Lee emphasize that while the project is a passion initiative - with contributors not receiving money - it fulfills a critical need for Wikipedia. "We've always noticed the absence of quality images," Payravi remarked, explaining their resolve to eradicate 'terrible' photos from the wiki database. This initiative has already attracted a global body of photographers, many of whom are Wikipedia enthusiasts or budding professionals looking to build their portfolios.
Photographer Bryan Berlin, who has taken photos of various celebrities at notable events such as Sundance and the New York Film Festival, expressed that improving the visual details on Wikipedia enriches the overall experience for users. His enthusiasm is shared by many contributors, who strive for the same goal — to capture the essence of individuals while representing them fairly on the platform.
The project has already made a significant impact, with approximately 55 photographers contributing, and their images garnering 100 million views per month. High-profile names, including Elijah Wood and Florence Pugh, now feature upgraded Wikipedia images courtesy of WikiPortraits. Furthermore, the initiative aims to feature underrepresented figures in the media who have not previously appeared with the dignity of a quality photo.
Looking ahead, the project aspires to include more diverse photographers and expand coverage to international events, while also showcasing accomplishments in various fields beyond entertainment. A primary goal outlined by Jennifer Lee is to secure credentials for high-profile events like the Met Gala and the Oscars, indicating their ambition to uphold the standard of representation on Wikipedia and elevate public perception of the shared knowledge platform.
