Photography has always been more than just a medium—it’s a language, a witness, and a catalyst for change. From the early days of film to today’s digital revolutions, the photographic world has been shaped by visionaries behind the camera, as well as by those who publish, curate, fund, distribute, critique the work or develop tools for photographers. This non-exhaustive list of the 100 most influential figures in the photography industry today celebrates the people redefining the landscape across editorial platforms, museums, festivals, technology, publishing, and advocacy.

At a time when visual culture is more powerful and pervasive than ever, influence is no longer confined to household names or award-winning images. Today’s most impactful figures operate at every level of the field—from directors of prestigious institutions like MoMA and Aperture, to editors behind global outlets like The New York Times and Le Monde, to grassroots organizers uplifting marginalized voices. These individuals shape what we see, how we interpret it, and who gets to participate in the conversation.

Compiled with a global perspective, this selection reflects the ability to challenge conventions, push boundaries, and drive photography forward—whether through innovation, education, inclusion, or fearless storytelling. Together, these 100 people represent the diverse ecosystem that defines the contemporary photography industry.

1. Meaghan Looram – Director of Photography, The New York Times (USA)

Meaghan Looram became Director of Photography at The New York Times in July 2018, after serving eight years as Deputy Director under Michele McNally. She oversees a team of more than 40 photo editors and staff photographers, directing the visual coverage for print and digital platforms. Her leadership has shaped award-winning projects, including “One in 8 Million”, “A Year at War”, also earning multiple World Press Photo and Pictures of the Year honors.

2. Gerhard Steidl – Founder, Steidl Verlag (Germany)

Gerhard Steidl leads Steidl Verlag, one of the world’s most respected photography and art-book publishers. Known for his exacting production quality and close collaboration with top photographers and artists, Steidl Verlag is a global benchmark for photobook craftsmanship.

3. Nicolas Jimenez – Director of Photography, Le Monde (France)

Nicolas Jimenez is the current Director of Photography at Le Monde, the French daily newspaper, including its supplements. He joined the publication in 2005, after working with Visa pour l’Image from 1999–2004. Under his leadership, Le Monde has solidified its position as a leading photojournalism force in the Francophone press.

4. Joanna Milter – Director of Photography, The New Yorker (USA)

Since 2015, Joanna Milter has led photography at The New Yorker, overseeing all print and digital content, including the “Photo Booth” blog. Formerly Deputy Photo Editor at The New York Times Magazine (2005–2011), she significantly raised The New Yorker’s visual narrative, winning recognition from World Press Photo, SPD, American Photography, and the National Magazine Awards. She also serves as a judge for industry programs like “Female in Focus”.

5. Sarah Meister – Executive Director, Aperture Foundation (USA)

Sarah Meister became Executive Director of Aperture in 2021. Before this, she curated the renowned photography collection at MoMA for more than 20 years, organizing exhibitions like “Pictures by Women: A History of Modern Photography” and “Dorothea Lange: Words & Pictures.” She’s also served on numerous award juries and published widely in photography criticism and scholarship.

6. Michael Mack – Founder, Mack Books (UK)

Michael Mack founded the London-based art and photography publishing house MACK in 2010 after working for 15 years at Steidl, including co-founding the SteidlMack imprint. Under his leadership, MACK has produced over 500 photobooks, publishes approximately 40 titles annually, and established the First Book Award to support emerging photographers.

7. Lionel Charrier – Director of Photography, Libération (France)

Lionel Charrier has served as Director of Photography at Libération, one of France’s leading daily newspapers, for over a decade. He gained acclaim for editorial decisions that emphasize the power and ethics of photojournalism, such as front-page coverage of the 2017 Syria chemical attack, declaring “Our job… is to see what we don’t want to see”.

8. Alex Pollack – Director of Photography, National Geographic (USA)

Alex Pollack, formerly Group Photo Director at Bustle Digital Group (overseeing photography across Bustle, Nylon, and others), became Director of Photography at National Geographic in late 2024. She leads photographic commissioning, acquisition, and strategy across print, digital, studio, and editorial storytelling.

9. Benedikt Taschen – Founder, Taschen (Germany)

Benedikt Taschen founded Taschen GmbH in 1980 as a comic and art-book publisher. Under his leadership, the company expanded internationally and became renowned for affordable, well-designed art books, including iconic photography titles, democratizing art publishing across Europe.

10. Fiona Shields – Head of Photography, The Guardian (UK)

As Head of Photography at The Guardian since 2019, Fiona Shields oversees editorial imagery across print, digital, and investigations. She has shaped the paper’s strong visual identity, directing award-winning coverage during major events like Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global climate stories.

11. Olivier Laurent – Deputy Director of Photography, The Washington Post (USA)

Olivier Laurent was promoted to Deputy Director of Photography in 2025, overseeing photo editors and staff photographers across breaking news, international, climate, science & tech coverage. He joined The Post in 2017, previously editing Time‘s LightBox and contributing to the British Journal of Photography. A 2005 graduate of the American University of Paris, Laurent has led visual storytelling for Middle East, Africa, and Asia desks. He won a Pulitzer for the 2019 “2ºC: Beyond the Limit” series and the 2021 Innovative Storytelling Award.

12. Jessica Dimson – Director of Photography, The New York Times Magazine (USA)

Jessica Dimson took over as Director of Photography for The New York Times Magazine in 2024, leading commissioning, photo assignment, and visual strategy for feature narratives and thematic storytelling. She is known for high-impact photo essays and conceptual visual direction.

13. Diane Smyth – Editor in Chief, The British Journal of Photography (UK)

Diane Smyth is Editor in Chief of The British Journal of Photography, with over 15 years of experience at the publication. She has written for titles such as The Guardian, Aperture, and FT Weekend, and has curated exhibitions for The Photographers’ Gallery and Lianzhou Foto. Alongside her editorial work, she teaches photography history and theory at London College of Communication.

14. Michaela Perau, Visuals Director, Vogue (Italy/France)

Michaela Perau is Visuals Director at Vogue France, in Paris. Trained at the University of Southern California, she brings a rich background in photography, filmmaking, and production to one of the world’s most influential fashion magazines. She guides the magazine’s visual strategy—overseeing commissioning, art direction, and multimedia storytelling—and recently led the imagery for her first Vogue France cover.

15. Rachel Barker – Co-founder, Stanley Barker (UK)

Co-founder of Stanley Barker in 2016, Rachel Barker publishes cultural books and photobooks that focus on representation, diversity, and design-led production. The independent imprint blends publishing, curation, and community, and supports numerous emerging UK photographers and artists.

16. Katy Hundertmark – Editor-in-Chief, FOAM Magazine (Netherlands)

Katy Hundertmark is a Scottish-German editor, curator, and artist working as Managing Editor of Foam Magazine since 2022. She leads the publication’s editorial vision: shaping each issue’s conceptual framework, commissioning contributors, and crafting essays that explore urgent themes through the lens of photography. Drawing on her background in photography and performance, she positions Foam as a platform for thoughtful, visually compelling engagement with contemporary issues.

17. Andreas Kronawitt – Director of Photography, Stern Magazine (Germany)

Andreas Kronawitt trained as a communications-design graduate and began his career as a freelance photo assistant and journalist. He joined Stern in 1996, eventually becoming Director of Photography before being appointed Senior Picture Editor in 2019. He is a founding member of the Hamburg Portfolio Review and leads the annual “Stern Young Photography” program.

18. Cyril Drouhet – Director of Reporting & Photography, Le Figaro Magazine (France)

Cyril Drouhet joined Le Figaro in 2004 and now serves as Director of Photography. A trained historian and former Gamma news agency director, he curates the La Gacilly Photo Festival—the largest outdoor photo festival in Europe—attracting over 350,000 visitors yearly.

19. Yseult Chehata – Editor, Atelier EXB (France)

Yseult Chehata is a photo editor and curator working primarily with Atelier EXB in Paris. She specializes in contemporary French and North African photography, curating exhibitions and publishing critical monographs.

20. Nicole Neumann, Leader of Photo Department, Der Spiegel (Germany)

Nicole Neumann has been Team Leader of the Photo Department at Der Spiegel since May 1, 2025, after working as a photo editor at the magazine since December 2020. A former freelance photographer and picture editor for titles like Die Zeit, she oversees national and international image selection, commissions photographers, manages budgets and usage rights, and mentors junior editors.

21. Emmanuelle Kouchner – Editorial Director, Delpire & Co (France)

Emmanuelle Kouchner has led Delpire & Co as Editorial Director since the early 2020s. With over 100 photographic books edited to her name, she previously worked with Atelier EXB. At Paris Photo she emphasized the importance of photo books in France’s cultural landscape.

22. Jaron Schneider – Editor‑in‑Chief, PetaPixel (USA)

Jaron Schneider is the Editor‑in‑Chief of PetaPixel, a preeminent independent online photography and imaging publication since 2009. An award‑winning journalist and filmmaker, he was previously A/V Editor at Digital Trends and Features Editor at Imaging Resource. He also hosts the PetaPixel Podcast.

23. Emma Bowkett – Director of Photography, Financial Times (England)

Emma Bowkett has been Director of Photography at FT Weekend Magazine since 2009. An influential figure in British photography publishing, she champions contemporary, committed photography. She regularly curates, judges (Prix Pictet, Foam, Unseen), and teaches, helping to establish the Financial Times as a compelling space for visual storytelling.

24. Isabelle de Lagasnerie – Director of Photography, La Croix (France)

Isabelle de Lagasnerie leads the photography department at La Croix, a national daily in France. She has overseen the paper’s photo coverage of major national and international stories since the late 2010s.

25. Polly Irungu – Founder, Black Women Photographers (USA/Kenya)

Kenyan-American multimedia journalist Polly Irungu founded Black Women Photographers, now a 1,200+ member global directory launched in 2020. She became the first official photo editor for U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in 2022.

26. Roxana Marcoci – Senior Curator of Photography & Acting Chief Curator, MoMA (USA)

Roxana Marcoci earned her PhD in Art History, Theory, and Criticism from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts. As David Dechman Senior Curator and Acting Chief Curator of Photography at MoMA, she leads exhibitions such as “Our Selves: Photographs by Women.” She is the inaugural Chair of MoMA’s C-MAP West Asia program and was a 2011 Center for Curatorial Leadership Fellow.

27. Christoph Wiesner – Director, Les Rencontres d’Arles (France)

Christoph Wiesner became Director of Les Rencontres d’Arles in 2020 after co-directing Paris Photo from 2015 to 2020. He previously led the Esther Schipper Gallery in Berlin. At Arles, he has reshaped the festival with a focus on identity, gender, and contemporary sociopolitical issues.

28. Simon Baker – Director, Maison Européenne de la Photographie (France)

Simon Baker has served as Director of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) in Paris since 2018. Previously, he was the first Curator of Photography at Tate Modern, where he organized major shows like “Shape of Light” and “Conflict, Time, Photography.” He also taught art history at the University of Nottingham.

29. Alessia Glaviano – Head of Global PhotoVogue & Director, Photo Vogue Festival (Italy)

Alessia Glaviano launched PhotoVogue in 2011 and founded the Photo Vogue Festival in 2016. Based at Vogue Italia, she has positioned herself as a leading curator of emerging photographic talent globally, and she frequently speaks on AI, ethics, and visual storytelling at international festivals.

30. David Campany – Creative Director, International Center of Photography (USA/UK)

David Campany is a British curator, writer, and educator currently serving as Creative Director at the International Center of Photography (ICP). He is known for his exhibitions and publications on documentary and conceptual photography, and he has received the ICP Infinity Award for his critical writing on the medium.

31. Quentin Bajac – Director, Jeu de Paume (France)

Quentin Bajac has been Director of the Jeu de Paume in Paris since 2019. Prior to this, he served as Chief Curator of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and held curatorial roles at the Centre Pompidou and Musée d’Orsay. He is recognized as one of France’s foremost historians of photography and has authored several key publications in the field.

32. Charlotte Cotton – Independent Curator, Writer, and Consultant (UK/USA)

Charlotte Cotton is a globally recognized independent curator and author of influential books such as “The Photograph as Contemporary Art.” She previously held senior curatorial positions at the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Wallis Annenberg Photography Department at LACMA, and the International Center of Photography. Her work focuses on visual culture and emerging photographic practices.

33. Yasufumi Nakamori – Senior Curator of Photography, Tate Modern (UK)

Yasufumi Nakamori joined Tate Modern as Senior Curator in 2018, where he leads the photography program. He was previously Curator of Photography and New Media at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and has also worked at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Trained as both an art historian and a lawyer, he is known for championing Asian and postwar photography.

34. Clément Chéroux – Director, Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson (France)

Clément Chéroux became Director of the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson in 2023 after serving as Chief Curator of Photography at MoMA. He has also worked at the Centre Pompidou and SFMOMA. A widely published photography scholar, he is especially known for examining the boundaries between documentary and art photography.

35. Florence Bourgeois – Director, Paris Photo (France)

Florence Bourgeois has been Director of Paris Photo since 2015, where she has expanded the fair’s international reach and established its position as the leading photography fair worldwide. She previously served as Head of Development at the Grand Palais and worked in programming roles across French cultural institutions.

36. Pauline Benthede – Global Vice President, Artistic Direction and Exhibitions, Fotografiska (Sweden/Global)

Pauline Benthede is a leading figure at Fotografiska, overseeing artistic direction and exhibitions across its international locations, including Stockholm, New York, Tallinn, and Berlin. She has been instrumental in expanding Fotografiska’s curatorial programming, often working across photography, contemporary art, and social commentary.

37. Sam Stourdzé – Director, Villa Medici (Italy)

Sam Stourdzé is Director of the Villa Medici in Rome and former Director of Les Rencontres d’Arles (2014–2020). He also previously led the Musée de l’Élysée in Lausanne. His curatorial work focuses on photography, cinema, and visual culture, and he is known for transforming Arles into a platform for both emerging and established voices in photography.

38. Pauline Vermare – Curator, Brooklyn Museum (USA)

Pauline Vermare is a French photography curator based in New York. She currently works at the Brooklyn Museum and is a former Cultural Director at Magnum Photos and curator at the International Center of Photography. She has curated major exhibitions on Henri Cartier-Bresson, Susan Meiselas, and Japanese postwar photography, and contributes actively to public programming and panels worldwide.

39. Diane Dufour – Director, Le Bal (France)

Diane Dufour is the founder and Director of Le Bal, a Paris-based independent venue dedicated to the image-document in all its forms. A former Director of Magnum Photos Europe, she has curated acclaimed exhibitions such as “Topographies de la Guerre” and “A Handful of Dust.” Under her leadership, Le Bal has become a hub for critical discourse in contemporary visual culture.

40. Fiona Rogers – V&A Parasol Foundation Curator of Women in Photography, Victoria and Albert Museum (UK)

Fiona Rogers is the inaugural curator for the Parasol Foundation Women in Photography initiative at the V&A. She is also founder of the Firecracker platform supporting women and non-binary photographers. Previously, she held leadership roles at Magnum Photos and is widely recognized for her advocacy and mentorship within the photography community.

41. Michel Poivert – Critic, Curator, and Professor of History of Photography, Panthéon-Sorbonne University (France)

Michel Poivert is one of France’s most prominent photography historians and theorists. A professor at Panthéon-Sorbonne University, he has published extensively on pictorialism, surrealism, and contemporary photography. He also curates major exhibitions and is the founder of the Observatory of Contemporary Photography, promoting photographic education and research.

42. Nathalie Herschdorfer – Director, Photo Elysée (Switzerland)

Nathalie Herschdorfer is Director of Photo Elysée in Lausanne, one of Europe’s leading photography museums. Formerly curator at the Musée de l’Élysée and art director of the Alt.+1000 festival, she is also a prolific author of books on photography including Body: The Photography Book and Mountains by Magnum Photographers.

43. Federica Chiocchetti – Director, Musée des Beaux-Arts in Le Locle (Switzerland)

Federica Chiocchetti is a curator, editor, and writer working at the intersection of photography and literature. In 2023, she was appointed Director of the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Le Locle. She is also the founding director of The Photocaptionist, a platform for photo-literary curating, and has collaborated with institutions including Foam, V&A, and Photo Elysée.

44. Marcella Lista – Chief Curator of New Media, Centre Pompidou (France)

Marcella Lista is the Chief Curator of New Media at the Centre Pompidou, where she has organized major exhibitions addressing the intersection of photography, video, and installation. Her curatorial practice explores sound, archives, and digital image cultures, and she contributes regularly to contemporary art discourse in France and internationally.

45. Maria Santoyo – Director, PHotoESPAÑA (Spain)

Maria Santoyo is the Artistic Director of PHotoESPAÑA, Spain’s premier international photography festival. She previously worked as a teacher, curator, and cultural programmer, and has developed wide-reaching exhibitions on documentary photography, historical archives, and Spanish visual culture. Under her leadership, the festival continues to highlight both national and global talents.

46. Héloïse Conesa – Curator of Contemporary Photography, Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) (France)

Héloïse Conésa is a specialist in contemporary photography and leads acquisitions and exhibitions at the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF). She curates exhibitions on both established and emerging photographers, with a focus on the French and European photographic landscape, and contributes scholarly essays and public programming across institutions.

47. Mike Kamber – Co-founder and Director, Bronx Documentary Center (USA)

Mike Kamber is a photojournalist and founder of the Bronx Documentary Center (BDC), a community-based organization focused on visual education and social justice. Formerly a conflict photographer for The New York Times, he launched BDC in 2011 to support underserved voices and democratize access to visual literacy.

48. Kathy Ryan – Independent Curator, formerly Director of Photography, The New York Times Magazine (USA)

Kathy Ryan served as Director of Photography at The New York Times Magazine for over 30 years, where she developed its award-winning visual identity. Since transitioning to independent work, she has curated exhibitions, books, and mentorship programs while remaining an influential figure in editorial and documentary photography worldwide.

49. Howard Greenberg – Founder and Director, Howard Greenberg Gallery (USA)

Howard Greenberg is one of the most influential photography dealers in the world. Since founding the Howard Greenberg Gallery in New York in 1981, he has played a major role in establishing photography as a collectible art form, representing iconic 20th-century photographers and contributing to museum acquisitions worldwide.

50. Joshua Chuang – Director of Photography, Gagosian Gallery (USA)

Joshua Chuang is Director of Photography at Gagosian and former curator at institutions including the Yale University Art Gallery and the New York Public Library. He is known for producing significant exhibitions and publications on figures such as Robert Adams, Lee Friedlander, and Judith Joy Ross, and serves as a bridge between curating and publishing.

51. Jeffrey Fraenkel – Founder and Director, Fraenkel Gallery (USA)

Jeffrey Fraenkel founded Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco in 1979. The gallery has since become one of the most respected venues for photography in the United States, representing artists like Diane Arbus, Garry Winogrand, and Hiroshi Sugimoto. Fraenkel is known for championing both historical and conceptual work through thoughtful exhibitions and publications.

52. Nadine Wietlisbach – Director, Fotomuseum Winterthur (Switzerland)

Nadine Wietlisbach has directed Fotomuseum Winterthur since 2018. With a background in curating, publishing, and education, she is known for bridging contemporary photography with experimental practices and critical discourses. She is also a co-founder of the independent photography magazine Der Greif and often contributes to exhibitions at C/O Berlin.

53. Anne Lacoste – Director, Institut pour la Photographie (France)

Anne Lacoste is the Director of the Institut pour la Photographie in Lille, a major institution dedicated to the photographic medium in northern France. Previously, she held curatorial positions at the Musée de l’Élysée and the Getty Research Institute. Her expertise spans from 19th-century processes to contemporary documentary work.

54. Bruce Silverstein – Founder and Director, Bruce Silverstein Gallery (USA)

Bruce Silverstein founded his New York gallery in 2001 and has become a key dealer in both classic and contemporary photography. The gallery represents the estates of figures such as Lisette Model and André Kertész and regularly exhibits conceptual and process-based work from living artists.

55. Gabriele Schor – Founder and Director, Verbund Collection (Austria)

Gabriele Schor is the founding director of the Verbund Collection in Vienna, which focuses on feminist avant-garde photography from the 1970s to the present. She has curated influential exhibitions across Europe and published extensively on gender, identity, and performance in contemporary art photography.

56. Delphine Dumont – Director, Le Hangar (Belgium)

Delphine Dumont is the Director of Le Hangar, a photography center in Brussels known for showcasing emerging and established photographers from Europe and beyond. She oversees its annual programming of exhibitions, talks, and educational initiatives, fostering a dialogue between artistic vision and social issues.

57. Peter Fetterman – Founder and Director, Peter Fetterman Gallery (USA)

Peter Fetterman has been a respected figure in fine art photography since the 1980s. Based in Santa Monica, his gallery represents many of the world’s most influential humanist and documentary photographers, including Sebastião Salgado and Willy Ronis. He is also known for his inspirational social media series “The Power of Photography.”

58. Clémentine de la Féronnière – Founder and Director, Clémentine de la Féronnière Gallery (France)

Clémentine de la Féronnière runs her namesake gallery in Paris, located on Ile Saint Louis and focuses on both historical and contemporary photography, while having a great influence in the gallery business. She has published books under her own imprint and collaborated with institutions such as the Bibliothèque nationale de France and Luma et Detroit Institut of Art.

59. Adélie Genestar de Ipanema – Director, Polka Gallery and Polka Magazine (France)

Adélie Genestar leads Polka Gallery and Polka Magazine, two complementary platforms based in Paris dedicated to storytelling through photography. The gallery represents a wide range of photojournalists and documentary photographers, while the magazine explores current events, culture, and visual reportage.

60. Emmanuel Perrotin – Founder and Director, Perrotin Gallery (France/International)

Emmanuel Perrotin is one of the most prominent international gallerists, having founded Galerie Perrotin in Paris in 1990. With branches across Asia, Europe, and North America, the gallery represents leading contemporary artists and photographers. While known for broader contemporary art, Perrotin has increasingly integrated photography into his roster.

61.  Jean-François Leroy – Director, Visa pour l’Image (France)

Jean-François Leroy is a former Sipa-Press photographer and editor-in-chief of Photo Magazine. He co-founded and has directed the prestigious Visa pour l’Image international photojournalism festival in Perpignan since 1989. He is renowned for his editorial rigor and commitment to journalistic integrity. A Chevalier des Arts et Lettres and Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite, Leroy continues to fuel international debates around photojournalism through exhibitions, screenings, and public programs.

62. Holly Roussell – Independent Curator and Art Historian (Switzerland/China)

Holly Roussell is a curator, writer, and art historian specializing in Asian photography and contemporary image culture. She has worked with institutions such as the Musée de l’Élysée and UCCA Beijing, and co-curated the Jimei x Arles International Photo Festival. Her curatorial projects explore global dialogue through emerging photographic voices.

63. Erik Kessels – Creative Director, KesselsKramer (Netherlands)

Erik Kessels is a Dutch artist, curator, and co-founder of the communications agency KesselsKramer. Known for his irreverent and conceptual approach to vernacular photography, he has curated major exhibitions including “Album Beauty” and “Unfinished Father.” He lectures internationally and promotes visual literacy through books and installations.

64. Gaelle Gouinegené – Director of Exhibitions, Leica France (France)

Gaelle Gouinegené is responsible for curating and coordinating Leica France’s exhibition programming, which includes both traveling and in-house shows. She works closely with photographers, institutions, and Leica ambassadors to develop narratives around documentary, street, and fine art photography tied to the Leica legacy.

65. David Fahey – Co-founder and Director, Fahey/Klein Gallery (USA)

David Fahey co-founded Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles in 1986. The gallery has become a major force in American photography, representing classic and contemporary artists such as Herb Ritts, Irving Penn, and Joel-Peter Witkin. Fahey is also known for championing celebrity portraiture and editorial-style work in the fine art market.

66. Emmanuelle de l’Ecotais – Director, Photo Days Festival (France)

Emmanuelle de l’Ecotais is Director of the Paris-based Photo Days Festival, which connects galleries, museums, and cultural spaces throughout the city. A former curator at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and expert on Man Ray, she has positioned Photo Days as a vibrant platform for collectors and institutions.

67. Thierry Bigaignon – Founder and Director, Galerie Thierry Bigaignon (France)

Thierry Bigaignon runs a contemporary photography gallery in Paris with a strong emphasis on black-and-white and architecture-focused photography. He represents artists like Bastiaan Woudt and engages actively in editorial and curatorial projects, positioning his space as a bold voice in the Paris art scene.

68. Federica Angelucci – Independent Curator and Co-director, Stevenson Gallery (South Africa)

Federica Angelucci is a curator and co-director of Stevenson, a leading contemporary art gallery with locations in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Amsterdam. She plays a central role in shaping the gallery’s photographic program, curating solo and group exhibitions for artists including Zanele Muholi, Guy Tillim, and Viviane Sassen. Her work often explores themes of identity, representation, and postcolonial narratives within the African context. A regular speaker at international conferences and portfolio reviews, Angelucci contributes to critical discourse around photography on the continent and supports emerging voices through curatorial mentorship and publishing initiatives.

69. Kathrin Schönegg – Head of the Photography Department, Münchner Stadtmuseum (Germany)

Kathrin Schönegg is Head of the Photography Department at the Münchner Stadtmuseum, one of Germany’s most significant institutions for photographic heritage and contemporary practice. A curator and scholar, she also serves as curator at C/O Berlin, where she developed exhibitions focusing on critical image culture, visual politics, and digital photography. Known for bridging archival research with emerging visual narratives, she also serves on juries and advisory boards, and plays a key role in fostering critical engagement with photography in Germany and beyond.

70. Cristina de Middel – President, Magnum Photos (Spain)

Cristina de Middel is a Spanish documentary photographer and current President of Magnum Photos, elected in 2022. Known for her boundary-pushing visual storytelling, she gained international acclaim with her self-published project The Afronauts. As both a photographer and organizational leader, she represents a new generation guiding Magnum into more diverse and experimental narratives.

71. Gary Knight – Executive Director, The VII Foundation (UK)

Gary Knight is a British photojournalist and co-founder of the VII Photo Agency, now transitioned into The VII Foundation. He serves as its Executive Director, spearheading education, documentary, and investigative initiatives. A former chair of the World Press Photo contest jury, Knight is known for combining frontline experience with institutional leadership in visual journalism.

72. Daniella Zalcman – Founder & Executive Director, Women Photograph (USA/Canada)

Daniella Zalcman is a photojournalist and founder of Women Photograph, a nonprofit that promotes the work of women and nonbinary photographers worldwide. Since its launch in 2017, the initiative has built a global directory, grants, and mentorship programs. Zalcman’s own award-winning work often explores the legacy of colonialism and indigenous rights.

73. Chase Jarvis – Co-founder, CreativeLive (USA)

Chase Jarvis is a photographer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of CreativeLive, a major online learning platform for creative professionals. The platform has educated millions in photography, design, and entrepreneurship. Jarvis is also an influential speaker and author, advocating for creativity as a core life skill in both artistic and business contexts.

74. Elodie Mailliet Storm – CEO, CatchLight (USA)

Elodie Mailliet Storm leads CatchLight, a nonprofit that connects visual storytellers with newsrooms, communities, and funders to support social impact through photography. She has a background at Getty Images. Her work centers on photography as a driver for civic engagement and systemic change, with major grants for photographers.

75. Marcel Saba – Director, Redux Pictures (USA)

Marcel Saba is the founder and director of Redux Pictures, a New York-based photo agency known for representing top-tier photojournalists and documentary photographers. Prior to founding Redux, he held leadership roles at Saba Press Photos and Corbis. He has been a key figure in shaping editorial photography in the digital age and remains active in mentoring emerging talent.

76. Giulietta Palumbo – Editorial Director, Magnum Photos (France)

Giulietta Palumbo is Editorial Director at Magnum Photos, where she has worked for over a decade in various senior roles. She oversees global editorial operations and plays a central role in shaping how Magnum’s archive and contemporary work are distributed and commissioned across platforms. She is a vital link between the agency’s photographers and its institutional and media partners.

77. Yvan Kutanin – CEO, Skylum (Ukraine)

Yvan Kutanin is CEO of Skylum, the Ukrainian software company behind the award-winning photo editing software Luminar. Under his leadership, Skylum has introduced AI-driven tools that have reshaped how photographers approach post-production. He advocates for ethical AI development and supports Ukraine’s tech and creative sectors amid ongoing conflict.

78. Florence Moll – Director, FMA Le Bureau (France)

Florence Moll is the director of FMA Le Bureau, a Paris-based agency focused on photography, art, and creative direction and the founder of Les filles de la photo, an important voice for women photographers in France. With a curatorial eye and a strategic mindset, she bridges the worlds of art photography and brand partnerships, guiding her roster of photographers through high-profile campaigns, exhibitions, and books.er agency is known for its strong visual identity and curated approach.

79. Shantanu Narayen – CEO, Adobe (USA)

Shantanu Narayen is the Chairman and CEO of Adobe, one of the most influential companies in creative software. Under his leadership, Adobe expanded from desktop software to a cloud-based platform serving millions of photographers, designers, and content creators worldwide. Products like Photoshop, Lightroom or Firefly remain foundational tools in the photography industry.

80. Laurence Cornet – Deputy Director of Photography, Le Monde & Dysturb (France)

Laurence Cornet is a French journalist, curator, and editor whose work bridges documentary photography, environmental reporting, and visual storytelling. She is a full-time editor at Le Monde and collaborates with the collective Dysturb, where she helps develop impactful public-space exhibitions and educational projects. With a background in political science and art history, Cornet curates photography programs focused on ecology, migration, and social justice. Her editorial vision emphasizes narrative depth and accessibility, and she actively supports emerging photographers through workshops, mentorship, and international programming partnerships.

81. Craig Peters – CEO, Getty Images (USA)

Craig Peters is the CEO of Getty Images, leading the company since 2019. A longtime executive at Getty, he has held roles across product, content, and technology since joining in 2007. Under his leadership, the company has focused on innovation in AI, visual storytelling, and content licensing.

82. Mathias Harsch – CEO, Leica Camera AG (Germany)

Mathias Harsch is the CEO of Leica, the legendary German camera manufacturer. Since taking over in 2017, he has overseen Leica’s expansion into retail, partnerships with Huawei and others, and continued development of both analog and digital photography tools. He is credited with maintaining Leica’s status as a premium brand rooted in heritage and innovation.

83. Benjamin Petit & Pierre Terdjman – Co-Founders, Dysturb (France)

Photojournalists Benjamin Petit and Pierre Terdjman co-founded Dysturb, a visual education and awareness project that brings large-scale photographic prints into urban spaces. Their initiative aims to reconnect communities with current events and visual journalism by making photo stories accessible in the public sphere, especially for youth and schools.

84. Simon Lovermann – Co-Founder, Picter (Germany)

Simon Lovermann is a co-founder of Picter, a collaborative platform built for creative teams, competitions, and institutions working with photography and visual media. He also co-founded Der Greif, a renowned magazine and platform for contemporary photography. His work focuses on streamlining creative workflows and expanding visibility for emerging photographers.

85. Patricia Morvan – Co-Director, Agence VU (France)

Patricia Morvan is a Co-Director at Agence VU, one of Europe’s most prestigious photo agencies. VU has long been a hub for visual storytelling, representing a diverse roster of documentary and art photographers. Under their leadership, the agency continues to evolve with new multimedia formats, exhibitions, and publishing initiatives while preserving its strong editorial legacy.

86. Antoine Kimmerlin – Editorial Director, MYOP (France)

Antoine Kimmerlin is Editorial Director of MYOP, a Paris-based cooperative agency of photographers. With a strong background in journalism and editing, he plays a key role in shaping visual narratives that span news, long-form reportage, and personal storytelling. MYOP is known for its author-driven and socially engaged approach to photography.

87. Veronica Sanchis – Founder, Foto Féminas (US)

Veronica Sanchis is a Venezuelan photo editor and curator based in the US, best known as the founder of Foto Féminas, a platform that promotes the work of Latin American women photographers. Through online features, exhibitions, and talks, she has created a vital space for underrepresented voices and has become a respected advocate for diversity in the visual arts.

88. Vince Aletti – Independent Photography Critic, The New Yorker (USA)

Vince Aletti is one of the most influential voices in photography criticism. He was the first photography critic for The Village Voice and a long-time contributor to The New Yorker, where he wrote about photography, fashion, and culture. Known for his deep historical knowledge and discerning eye, Aletti is also the author of Issues: A History of Photography in Fashion Magazines and curates exhibitions and books internationally.

89. Claire Guillot – Deputy Director of Cultural Section, Le Monde (France)

Claire Guillot is a leading French journalist and photography critic, currently heading the culture section at Le Monde. A former editor of the paper’s photography secton, she has shaped mainstream coverage of photography in France and regularly writes essays, exhibition reviews, and curatorial texts. Guillot is widely respected for her critical voice and support for both emerging and established photographers.

90. Bill Shapiro – Independent Photography Critic (USA)

Bill Shapiro is the former Editor-in-Chief of LIFE magazine and a widely published writer on photography. He contributes to The New York Times, The Atlantic, Blind Magazine and other major outlets, where he explores themes of memory, the life of great photographers, and personal archives. Shapiro is one of the most influential voices in photography, responsible for publishing some of the most iconic images of our time.

91. Arthur Lubow – Independent Journalist Specializing in Photography (USA)

Arthur Lubow is an American journalist who frequently writes about photography for The New York Times Magazine, Smithsonian, and other publications. He has profiled iconic photographers including Diane Arbus, James Nachtwey, and Peter Hujar, blending journalistic depth with an art critic’s sensibility. His work brings mainstream visibility to important photographic practices.

92. Valérie Duponchelle – Journalist Specializing in Photography, Le Figaro (France)

Valérie Duponchelle is a senior cultural journalist at Le Figaro, where she covers photography, visual arts, and major exhibitions. With decades of experience reporting on French and international artists, she is recognized for her eloquent writing and institutional knowledge. Duponchelle’s journalism often bridges public opinion with insider art world discourse.

93. Ken Miller – Editor, The New York Times Style Magazine (USA)

Ken Miller is a New York-based editor and curator with deep ties to the photography and fashion worlds. He serves as an editor at The New York Times Style Magazine and has worked with numerous other publications and brands. Miller is known for his ability to bring photographic work into new editorial and cultural contexts, blending documentary and conceptual aesthetics.

94. Michèle Warnet – Journalist Specializing in Photography, Les Échos (France)

Michèle Warnet is a cultural journalist at Les Échos, one of France’s leading business newspapers. Her columns regularly cover photography exhibitions, books, and festivals, offering sharp and accessible insights for a wide readership. She plays a key role in maintaining visibility for photography within French mainstream media.

95. William Meyers – Independent Journalist, formerly The Wall Street Journal (USA)

William Meyers is an American writer who contributed photography criticism to The Wall Street Journal for over two decades. His columns highlighted museum and gallery exhibitions across the United States, often emphasizing historical context and photographic technique. He is known for advocating the appreciation of photography as a fine art.

96. Gabriele Perlo – Founder, Catastrophe Off (Italy)

Gabriele Perlo is the founder of Catastrophe Off, an Italian editorial platform focused on contemporary photography and critical writing, with almost one million followers on Instagram. Through publishing and curating, he promotes experimental formats and underrepresented voices. His work is grounded in theory, activism, and visual literacy, engaging both emerging photographers and critical audiences.

97. Myrtille Beauvert – Founder, Sister Communications (USA/France)

Myrtille Beauvert is the founder of Sister Communications, a New York-based PR and consulting agency that specializes in photography, art, and culture. She has worked on major campaigns and festival communications across the United States and Europe, and supports institutions, galleries, and artists in building visibility and influence through thoughtful storytelling.

98. Catherine Philippot – Independent Press Relations (France)

Catherine Philippot is a highly-recognized press officer and consultant based in Paris, specializing in photography and contemporary art. She has worked with numerous photographers, galleries, and institutions over several decades, helping to shape the public narrative around photography in France. Her discretion and experience have made her a trusted figure in the industry.

99.  Brigitte Ollier – Independent Journalist and Photography Critic (France)

Brigitte Ollier is a French journalist and photography critic known for her insightful and poetic writing on visual culture. A long-time contributor to Libération, a contributor to Blind Magazine today, she has chronicled the evolution of French and international photography for over three decades, covering major figures, emerging talents, and landmark exhibitions. Ollier is also the author of several monographs and essays on photographers such as Robert Doisneau and Malick Sidibé. With a deep sensitivity to both image and language, she has become a vital voice in shaping public appreciation of photography in France and remains an influential figure in the critical landscape.

100. Jonas Cuénin – Director, Blind Magazine (France)

Jonas Cuénin is a French journalist and editor who currently directs Blind Magazine, an international platform dedicated to photography and visual culture. Formerly editor-in-chief of L’Oeil de la Photographie and managing editor of Camera, he is known for covering both established photographers and emerging voices with critical insight and global perspective.