The WikiPortraits project is enlisting volunteer photographers to provide better imagery of notable figures, hoping to replace outdated and unflattering images on one of the world's most visited websites.
**Amateur Photographers Strive to Revamp Wikipedia's Outdated Images**
**Amateur Photographers Strive to Revamp Wikipedia's Outdated Images**
A dedicated initiative aims to enhance Wikipedia's celebrity photos through crowd-sourced photography.
Wikipedia, a cornerstone for information online, is often criticized for its lackluster images, particularly concerning celebrities. This issue has become so pervasive that there are social media accounts dedicated to showcasing the site's worst photographs. Volunteer editors recognize that the challenge arises partly because professional photographs used at high-profile events are typically copyrighted, creating a barrier for a platform that relies on volunteer contributions without a budget.
To tackle this issue, a passionate group called WikiPortraits was launched, aiming to recruit amateur and professional photographers who can get accredited to attend events like film festivals and conventions. "For years, we've noted the appalling quality of many celebrity photos on Wikipedia," stated Kevin Payravi, one of the founders of WikiPortraits, during a conversation from the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. "Individuals are quite motivated to improve the situation," added Jennifer Lee, a co-founder. "Some of these terrible images are almost comical."
The project is committed to following Wikipedia’s stringent copyright policies, which dictate that contributed photographs must be freely licensed or in the public domain. Many images currently available on the site result from enthusiasts rather than traditional professional photographers.
The examples of poor images are numerous; famous figures like comedian Emil Wakim and footballer Kyle Bartley have had their ridiculous photographs highlighted for fans to see. The WikiPortraits initiative has made strides since its inception in early 2024, committing many photographers worldwide to create better visual content. So far, 55 volunteers have contributed their talents.
Among these contributors is Bryan Berlin, a photography instructor and comedian, who became involved at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He has photographed prominent personalities at events such as the New York Film Festival and Sundance. "Enhanced images can convey more accurate representations, helping users on Wikipedia," Berlin explained. His experiences also allowed him to improve his skills and connect with actors like Elijah Wood, who appreciated the project.
WikiPortraits captures high visibility; their photographs are collectively viewed about 100 million times monthly. The initiative embraces not only the glitzy icons of the entertainment world but also under-represented artists who previously lacked any images on their Wikipedia pages.
As the project scales, its founders hope to attract more photographers globally, enhancing the representation of different regions and cultures. While they’re broadening their reach into sports photography, the team remains focused on the allure of red carpet events. "We aspire to secure spots at events like the Met Gala and the Academy Awards," shared Lee. "That achievement would validate our mission."
