Amateur Photographers Aim to Revamp Wikipedia's Visual Representation

As Wikipedia faces criticism for subpar images, a new initiative called WikiPortraits is enlisting amateur photographers to improve the quality of photos on the platform, aiming to provide better visual representations of notable figures.

Amateur photographers are stepping up to tackle a notable problem within the digital encyclopedia Wikipedia: the prevalence of substandard images, particularly those depicting celebrities. This concern has become so prominent that it has even led to the creation of Instagram accounts dedicated to showcasing some of the most unflattering photographs found on the site. The difficulty stems from a lack of access to professional images, as top photographers typically work for major agencies that retain copyright control, leaving Wikipedia’s volunteer-driven platform with limited options.

To remedy this issue, the WikiPortraits initiative was established, focusing on recruiting volunteer photographers from around the globe. Participants can gain access to prestigious events such as film premieres and conventions, allowing them to create high-quality portraits for the encyclopedia. Founders Kevin Payravi and Jennifer Lee, who are committed to improving Wikipedia's visual content, have been active participants at events like the SXSW festival, where they even created a photo booth to capture fresh images.

"The quality of images on Wikipedia has long been an issue for editors," Payravi explained. "We want to change that narrative." Lee added, "Many people find the poor quality photos amusing; there are many amazing blobs of humans captured.”

Wikipedia has stringent rules regarding copyright that restricts the types of images that can be uploaded. Photos must either be taken by the contributor, labeled for free use, or be in the public domain, which often leads to images that are far less than ideal. This has prompted the rise of WikiPortraits, which began its efforts in early 2024. With a diverse group of 55 committed photographers, many of whom are enthusiastic amateurs and professionals enhancing their portfolios, the project hopes to enhance image representation on the site.

One photographer, Bryan Berlin, shared that being involved with WikiPortraits has not only allowed him to contribute to Wikipedia but has also improved his own abilities. His experiences, which include capturing prominent personalities at major film festivals, speak to the invaluable opportunities that arise from the initiative. Notably, he recounts a memorable interaction with renowned actor Elijah Wood, who expressed appreciation for the project.

As the project expands, it aims to attract more photographers globally while continuing to cover high-profile events. With plans to include more sports photography and aspirations of acquiring credentials for events like the Met Gala and the Oscars, WikiPortraits is on a mission to uplift the quality of Wikipedia’s visual content.

The initiative's impact is already substantial; some of the images captured are collectively viewed more than 100 million times each month. Alongside enhancing celebrity depictions, WikiPortraits is also focused on representing lesser-known yet notable individuals, thus enriching the overall breadth of content available on Wikipedia.

As the project continues to gain momentum, it highlights a growing recognition of the importance of credible and appealing visual representations in shaping public perception and enhancing the educational value of digital resources.