IPC Hall of Fame & Professional Photographer Awards Luncheon — May 2025
Photography courtesy @fredmarcusstudio_Juan & Fujifilm’s Brandon Remler
OPENING REMARKS from Melissa Fleming, Under Secretary-General for Global Communications at the UN
Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications at the
United Nations opened the ceremony by welcoming IPC back and acknowledging the professional photographers in attendance, “It is no exaggeration to say that your work is more important than ever.”
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Stephen Wilkes
Renowned photographer and National Geographic Explorer Stephen Wilkes delivered the keynote address, sharing insights from his storied career and celebrating the power of photography as a universal language. Wilkes is known for his Day to Night series and museum-exhibited work.
HALL OF FAME AWARD
· Kurt Nowak, IPC Hall of Fame Award: Founder of Colenta Labortechnik and a trailblazer in imaging technology, Nowak’s six-decade career has shaped the evolution of imaging systems worldwide. He is an accomplished inventor in imaging technology known for his innovation and dedication to the industry. Nowak was unable to attend. His son Alexander Nowak accepted the prestigious award on his behalf.
2025 IPC DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
· Jerry Grossman, IPC Distinguished Service Award: Co-Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Digital Imaging Reporter, he was honored for his four decades of commitment to the growth and innovation of the photo industry.
JAMES L. CHUNG MEMORIAL SCHOLARHIP RECIPIENTS
Four photo and imaging students from NYU and FIT were recipients of the James L. Chung Memorial Scholarship. This special program helps to reinforce IPC’s dedication to fostering the next generation of photographic talent. Recipients were:
Tessa Dillman, an editorial and commercial photographer from NYU, she was recognized for emotionally honest large-format photography exploring intimacy and identity.
Elleah Gipson, an NYU Tisch student and ISO Magazine editor-in-chief, recognized for her versatile photography and documentary work.
Nina Perricone, a FIT student and fine art photographer, recognized for her innovative use of family archives and visual storytelling in installations.
Isaac Wheatley, a portrait and live music photographer who studied photography at NYU Tisch, he is the media chair of the Program Board, Vice President of ISO magazine, and a contributor to Static magazine.
IPC EDUCATOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
· Alicia Hansen, IPC Photographic Educator Achievement Award: Founder and CEO of NYC Salt, Hansen was honored for her work to empower high school students through visual arts education and college readiness programs.
2025 PHOTOGRAPHIC RISING STAR ACHIEVEMENT
· Yolanda Hoskey, Photographic "Rising Star" Achievement Award: A Brooklyn-based artist focused on celebrating Black identity through storytelling and portraiture.
2025 IPC PHOTOGRAPHIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
• Lanna Apisukh, Professional Photographer Achievement Award: Nominated by FUJIFILM, Apisukh is a portrait and documentary photographer from NYC whose work explores identity, gender, and belonging. Apisukh was honored for her ability to bring a unique lens to storytelling.
• David Bergman, Professional Photographer Achievement Award: Nominated by Canon, Bergman is a Canon Explorer of Light, and a seasoned photojournalist covering music, sports, and politics. He was honored for his 35-year career photographing U.S. presidents, world leaders, 15 Super Bowls, and multiple Olympics.
• David Burnett, Professional Photographer Achievement Award: Nominated by the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), Burnett is the Co-Founder of Contact Press Images and a legendary photojournalist. He is a Sony Artisan and was honored for a lifetime of powerful storytelling across global events and historical moments.
• Jean Fruth, Professional Photographer Achievement Award: Nominated by Sony, Fruth is the Co-founder of Grassroots Baseball and known for her powerful imagery and books highlighting global baseball culture. She is a Sony Artisan and was honored for her work as a filmmaker and photographer dedicated to using visual storytelling to drive social change.
• John Gress, Professional Photographer Achievement Award: Nominated by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Gress is known for his mastery of lighting, Gress blends fashion, portraiture, and commercial work with editorial precision. He was honored for his 20+ year career photographing global brands like Nike and Microsoft.
• Lara Jade, Professional Photographer Achievement Award: Nominated by Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), Jade is a fashion and portrait photographer celebrated for her elegant, emotive imagery. Inspired by self-expression and female strength, she is a Canon Explorer of Light. She was honored for her leadership in fashion editorial photography and working with top global brands.
• Tasos Katopodis, Professional Photographer Achievement Award: Nominated by Tiffen, Katopodis is recognized for blending journalism with innovation. Katopodis was honored for his work across three U.S. presidencies and Olympic events.
• Jessica Koscielniak, Professional Photographer Achievement Award: Nominated by the White House News Photographer’s Association (WHNPA), Koscielniak is a visual journalist known for her leadership at The Washington Post and upcoming role at Reuters. Koscielniak was honored for her impactful coverage of major world events.
• Joe McNally, Professional Photographer Achievement Award: Nominated by Nikon, McNally is acclaimed for his National Geographic and LIFE magazine work. He is a Nikon Ambassador and was honored for decades of excellence in global photography.
Candids
