Wikipedia, renowned as one of the most frequented sites globally, is grappling with a notable challenge—outdated and unflattering images of celebrities. Recognizing the seriousness of the problem, a group of enthusiasts has launched WikiPortraits, a project designed to recruit photographers to help enhance the visual appeal of Wikipedia pages. This initiative longs to combat the wave of subpar images that have drawn the ire of both editors and users.
Kevin Payravi, a founder of WikiPortraits, stated, "Wikipedia has for the longest time had missing or poor quality photos of people." Speaking from Austin, Texas, where he and co-founder Jennifer Lee were actively covering the SXSW festival, he emphasized that the issue had been on the mind of many Wikipedia editors for years. The project has garnered attention, evidently resonating with users who often create social media accounts purely to spotlight these poor-quality celebrity photographs.
The crux of Wikipedia's struggle lies in its stringent copyright rules, which necessitate that all images posted are either original, freely licensed, or in the public domain. As a result, the site is often filled with images contributed by amateurs rather than professional photographers. These contributions can range from mundane visuals to truly unfortunate portraits. One glaring case includes comedian Emil Wakim, whose previous Wikipedia photo was deemed so inadequate that editors agreed that "having no picture is better than what's currently there."
Since its inception at the beginning of 2024, WikiPortraits has enlisted about 55 photographers globally, most of whom are based in the U.S. These volunteers—comprised of Wikipedia enthusiasts, amateurs, and seasoned photographers keen to expand their portfolios—are tasked with capturing improved images of notable personalities.
Bryan Berlin, a high school photography educator and stand-up comic from New York, got involved while performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and has since taken photos at esteemed events like the Sundance and New York Film Festivals. His motivation, as he explains, is simple: "Having a better photo of someone gives better information for somebody accessing Wikipedia."
The project has not only focused on famous figures but also spotlighted marginalized personalities in arts and sciences. Notable recipients of enhanced imagery have included Nobel laureates like John Jumper and artists like Florence Pugh, who expressed enthusiasm upon the opportunity to update her profile image on the encyclopedia.
Looking forward, WikiPortraits embraces aspirations of attracting more photographers from diverse regions, aiming to extend their reach and cover prominent events worldwide. Plans to enhance sports photography are already underway, and the organization has its sights set on gaining credentials for high-profile events such as the Met Gala and the Oscars. As co-founder Jennifer Lee noted, "That's when we know we've made it."
