WikiPortraits hopes to engage volunteer photographers to transform how notable personalities are represented online.
Amateur Photographers Set Out to Revitalize Wikipedia's Image Problem
Amateur Photographers Set Out to Revitalize Wikipedia's Image Problem
An innovative project aims to replace outdated celebrity photos on Wikipedia with high-quality images.
Wikipedia, despite its global reach, has been critiqued for featuring unflattering and outdated photos, especially of notable figures. Amateur photographers and Wikipedia volunteers have launched an initiative called WikiPortraits to tackle this issue by capturing fresh images of celebrities at various events. The initiative aims to create a database of high-quality images that can be freely used on the site, enhancing the visual quality of its pages.
Kevin Payravi, one of WikiPortraits’ founders, emphasizes the long-standing need for improved imagery, noting that many Wikipedia pictures lack quality. He and fellow founder Jennifer Lee have actively recruited photographers who share their enthusiasm for the platform, prompting them to cover significant events like film festivals and conferences.
The challenge stems from the restrictions Wikipedia faces regarding copyright laws; professional photos from major agencies cannot be used without payment, which Wikipedia, reliant on volunteer contributions, cannot afford. This leads to many entries containing subpar images or none at all.
This initiative started in January 2024 and has quickly garnered traction, with 55 volunteer photographers already involved. One of these contributors, Bryan Berlin, a high school photography teacher from New York, expresses that working on WikiPortraits not only contributes to enhancing Wikipedia but also improves his own skills as a photographer.
The project has made significant strides in revamping celebrity images, with notable transformations occurring at events like Sundance, Cannes, and the Toronto International Film Festival. For instance, Elijah Wood's Wikipedia page has seen an upgraded photo, much to the delight of the actor. Additionally, WikiPortraits has focused on improving representation by photographing underrepresented figures who previously lacked a Wikipedia presence.
Looking ahead, the project aims to expand its international reach, inviting more photographers from diverse backgrounds to capture local events. The potential to cover prestigious events like the Met Gala or the Oscars remains a dream for the WikiPortraits team, symbolizing a key milestone in elevating Wikipedia's visual representation of notable individuals.
