### Amateur Photographers Aim to Revamp Wikipedia’s Celebrity Images

#### Wikipedia is addressing its notorious image quality issues through a unique project launched by amateur photographers aiming to enhance visuals of notable figures.

In an effort to improve the often "terrible" images of celebrities on Wikipedia, a group of dedicated amateur photographers has come together under a new initiative called WikiPortraits. The project emerged from the recognition that Wikipedia, despite being one of the most frequented websites globally, suffers from a plethora of outdated and unflattering photographs, particularly of public figures.

Kevin Payravi and Jennifer Lee, co-founders of WikiPortraits, spoke with the BBC during the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, where they showcased their photo booth to generate high-quality portraits. "Wikipedia has long struggled with inadequate or missing images of notable individuals. This project addresses that persistent issue," Payravi commented.

The crux of the dilemma lies in Wikipedia's stringent rules surrounding copyright; most professional photographs are protected, and the site is funded mainly through volunteer contributions, limiting access to high-quality visuals. Guardian users frequently highlight the inadequacies of the current images, including a noted instance with comedian Emil Wakim, whose inadequate picture was deemed worse than having no image at all.

Having begun its mission in early 2024, WikiPortraits has enlisted 55 photographers, many of whom are not only Wikipedia enthusiasts but also aspiring professionals wishing to bolster their portfolios. Despite not receiving payments, these volunteers actively cover significant events such as film festivals. One notable contributor, Bryan Berlin, a high school photography teacher and stand-up comedian, underscored the satisfaction that comes with enhancing Wikipedia's offerings. "Providing better images contributes to better information for users," he expressed.

The reach of the project is substantial, with its photographs garnering approximately 100 million views monthly. Major celebrities, as well as underrepresented individuals, have benefited from the initiative, leading to meaningful updates on their Wikipedia pages. For instance, actor Laetitia Dosch expressed excitement at the prospect of finally replacing her outdated image.

Looking forward, the project aims to recruit more photographers from various regions to cover local events while maintaining its focus on the allure of red carpet photography. With ambitions to secure access to prestigious events like the Met Gala and Oscars, the team is determined to elevate the quality of images on the esteemed platform—bringing culture and representation into sharper focus.