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.
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.