WikiPortraits, an innovative initiative launched to combat the poor quality of photographs on Wikipedia, aims to elevate the visual representation of notable figures on the platform, which is often criticized for outdated and unflattering pictures. Volunteer editors have acknowledged the pressing issue, especially among high-profile personalities whose images often fall short of modern standards.
With the aim of recruiting amateur photographers globally, WikiPortraits seeks accreditation for its volunteers to attend film festivals, conferences, and similar events. Founders Kevin Payravi and Jennifer Lee voiced their mission during their coverage of the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, highlighting their enthusiasm for updating Wikipedia’s image quality. "Some people are super bothered by the terrible photos on Wikipedia, and want to save the world from them," noted Lee.
Wikipedia poses strict copyright rules that prevent the inclusion of professional photographs unless contributors own them or they are licensed for free use. As a result, the site has been filled with images by amateurs that often lack quality. Some examples of this have led to internet jokes, with many advocating for better representations of these individuals.
Launched at the beginning of 2024, WikiPortraits currently features approximately 55 volunteer photographers across the world, most of whom are Wikipedia enthusiasts or photography hobbyists. Bryan Berlin, a high school photography teacher and stand-up comedian, found motivation in the project while covering the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Berlin believes that higher quality photographs significantly enhance the information available on Wikipedia.
The effort has already yielded substantial results: several celebrities, including Elijah Wood and Florence Pugh, now have updated photographs representing them accurately in the digital encyclopedia.
As the project grows, WikiPortraits aims to expand its reach by attracting photographers from various countries and establishing coverage at premier events such as the Met Gala and the Oscars. Despite tackling sports photography, their primary focus remains on capturing the glitz of celebrity events.
The necessity for this project reflects a broader commitment to improve user experience on Wikipedia, catering to the desire for authenticity and better content on one of the most visited websites worldwide.
With the aim of recruiting amateur photographers globally, WikiPortraits seeks accreditation for its volunteers to attend film festivals, conferences, and similar events. Founders Kevin Payravi and Jennifer Lee voiced their mission during their coverage of the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, highlighting their enthusiasm for updating Wikipedia’s image quality. "Some people are super bothered by the terrible photos on Wikipedia, and want to save the world from them," noted Lee.
Wikipedia poses strict copyright rules that prevent the inclusion of professional photographs unless contributors own them or they are licensed for free use. As a result, the site has been filled with images by amateurs that often lack quality. Some examples of this have led to internet jokes, with many advocating for better representations of these individuals.
Launched at the beginning of 2024, WikiPortraits currently features approximately 55 volunteer photographers across the world, most of whom are Wikipedia enthusiasts or photography hobbyists. Bryan Berlin, a high school photography teacher and stand-up comedian, found motivation in the project while covering the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Berlin believes that higher quality photographs significantly enhance the information available on Wikipedia.
The effort has already yielded substantial results: several celebrities, including Elijah Wood and Florence Pugh, now have updated photographs representing them accurately in the digital encyclopedia.
As the project grows, WikiPortraits aims to expand its reach by attracting photographers from various countries and establishing coverage at premier events such as the Met Gala and the Oscars. Despite tackling sports photography, their primary focus remains on capturing the glitz of celebrity events.
The necessity for this project reflects a broader commitment to improve user experience on Wikipedia, catering to the desire for authenticity and better content on one of the most visited websites worldwide.
