OPENING REMARKS

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

Kurt Nowak, a trailblazer in imaging technology, Nowak’s six-decade career has shaped the evolution of imaging systems worldwide. An accomplished inventor in imaging technology known for his innovation and dedication to the industry. His son Alexander Nowak accepted the prestigious award on his behalf.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Jerry Grossman

Co-Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Digital Imaging Reporter

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.

EDUCATOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Alicia Hansen

Founder and CEO of NYC Salt

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.

RISING STAR ACHIEVEMENT

Yolanda Hoskey

Yolanda Hoskey, Photographic “Rising Star” Achievement Award: A Brooklyn-based artist focused on celebrating Black identity through storytelling and portraiture.

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. Pictured (l. to r.) IPC Vice President Kathy Jello, Nina Perricone, Isaac Wheatley, Dr. Mark Chung, Tessa Dillman and Eileah Gipson.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Lanna Apisukh

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.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

David Bergman

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.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

David Burnett

Nominated by 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.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Jean Fruth

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.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

John Gress

Nominated by 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.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Lara Jade

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.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Tasos Katopodis

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.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Jessica Koscielniak

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.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Joe McNally

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.

Photo Gallery