VII Photo was founded in September 2001 by seven independent photojournalists. It became synonymous with courageous and impactful journalism during the aftermath of 9/11 and the chaos that followed as the narrative of a new century was being written. In spring 2023, The VII Foundation acquired VII Photo, and it ceased to be a photographer-owned agency and became part of the foundation’s non-profit ecosystem.
WHAT WE DO
VII Photo works on communications strategies with our partner organizations and reports on some of humanity’s most intractable issues. The VII Foundation has long-term agreements with UNICEF and The Global Fund and has been granted United Nations ECOSOC Special Consultative Status. Using still and time-based visual media, VII Photo contributing photographers work on assignments for our partners, which are integrated into powerful communications strategies.
As a vital part of The VII Foundation, VII Photo has a substantial cultural program that curates worldwide photography exhibitions and conducts creative photography, editing, and writing workshops open to all.
TRAINING
VII Photo contributing photographers Philip Blenkinsop, Eric Bouvet, Ashley Gilbertson, Ed Kashi, Ilvy Njiokiktjien, Daniel Schwartz, and Danny Wilcox Frazier will run a series of three-day and half-day workshops at The VII Foundation’s Alexandra Boulat Campus in the heart of Arles. All workshops include a private group session with James Nachtwey.
EVENT
Join us in Arles for a rare rendezvous with James Nachtwey, one of the most celebrated photojournalists of our time. During this open conversation and Q&A, James will showcase a collection of seminal photographs from his illustrious career.
TRAINING
The 2024/25 masterclass will feature two in-person seminars in Sarajevo, with a virtual seminar in between. Over the six months, participants will also receive one-on-one online mentoring from a few contributing photographers at VII Photo.
NEWS
The new contributing photographers comprise a combination of young talents elevated from the foundation’s educational programs, including the VII Mentor Program, and leading figures in the industry who have already created significant and pivotal bodies of work.
PROJECT
This was the first collective exhibition by VII in Arles, marking the acquisition of VII Photo by The VII Foundation in 2023. The featured photographs are among the most significant images depicting the events and issues they portray.
