New York, NY—The International Photographic Council (IPC) bestowed its Hall of Fame award upon Neal Manowitz, president and COO of Sony Electronics North America. The Hall of Fame award luncheon was held in the Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations in New York City. The award honors legendary corporate leaders that make vital contributions to the photo-imaging industry.
As the IPC keynote speaker and Hall of Fame Award recipient, Manowitz addressed those in attendance. He spoke about the power of photography. “We rally behind the idea of photography. It can help save our planet; it can document our future history. It can capture a loved one, so that we forever have them in our hearts. I want to leave you with this thought. The power of photography isn’t just about the photograph. It’s about the people. It’s this community. You, we together, are the real power. Let’s bring peace through photography.”
The last statement echoed IPC’s motto, Peace Through Photography, the Universal Language.
International Photographic Council James L. Chung Memorial Scholarship
Melissa Fleming, under-secretary-general, Global Communications for the United Nations, was a special guest at the IPC luncheon. Moreover, she spoke about the newly created IPC James L. Chung Memorial Scholarship. Fleming only began her tenure at the UN Department for Global Communications in 2019. However, she said she heard from colleagues about “the incredible work that the IPC has carried out in support of the United Nations—and in particular my department—under the visionary and steadfast leadership of your longtime late president.” She added, “I am glad that a new scholarship was named after the late Mr. Chung. His family is with us today to witness the presentation of the scholarship.”
James L. Chung was a former president and chairman as well as one of IPC’s original founders. Now, the IPC James L. Chung Memorial Scholarship will continue his legacy and dedication to mentoring young professionals who demonstrate outstanding potential. Furthermore, two MPS digital photography students, Chen Qian and Hedieh Sorouri from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, are the inaugural recipients of memorial scholarship.
IPC Professional Photographer Achievement Award
IPC also celebrated the outstanding achievements in photography of six professional photographers. They were presented with the IPC Professional Photographer Achievement Award for their remarkable skills as well as contributions to the art of photography.
The 2023 Professional Photographer Achievement Award recipients are:
- Architectural, interior and cityscape photographer Evan Joseph—Rizzoli International Publications
- Independent digital journalist Jim Koepnick—Sigma Corp. of America Ambassador
- Conservation photographer Cristina Goettsch Mittermeier—Sony Ambassador
- Photographer, writer, educator and podcast host Ibarionex Perello—Fujifilm X photographer
- Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Stephanie Sinclair—Canon Explorer of Light.
- National Geographic photographer, writer, speaker and documentary filmmaker Ami Vitale—Nikon Ambassador
IPC President Andy Marcus also announced that more than 140 people attended the IPC Awards luncheon. It was IPC’s first post-Covid industry event. In addition, IPC received overwhelming support from the following corporate supporters: B&H Photo Video, Canon USA Inc., Endeavor Business Media, Fred Marcus Photography & Video, Fujifilm, MailPix, Nikon Inc., NTI Sales, Pro Image, Sigma America, Sony Electronics North America and Tiffen. What’s more the Chung Foundation and Sony Electronics North America made generous donations to the James L. Chung Memorial Scholarship program.
“IPC serves as a vital platform for promoting visual storytelling and advocating for the power of photography to inspire change, drive cultural dialogue and raise awareness of important global issues. IPC remains committed to carrying on the legacy of our founders. And we look forward to the future with new and exciting projects,” Marcus concluded.
Visit the organization’s website to see images from the event as well as the new gallery of images from the six Professional Photographer Achievement Award recipients. 
International Photographic Council
The International Photographic Council (IPC) is a Civil Society Organization formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications. Further, it is composed of representatives from every major sector of the photographic industry. Since 1974, IPC has dedicated itself to increasing worldwide recognition of photography as a universal means of communication. Notably, IPC’s motto is “Peace Through Photography, the Universal Language.”
Banner Photo:
2023 IPC Luncheon—Back row (L-R): IPC President Andy Marcus, Ami Vitale, Cristina Goettsch Mittermeier, Neal Manowitz, Stephanie Sinclair, Ibarionex Perello, Evan Joseph, Jim Koepnick with Kathy Jello and John Segall, IPC vice presidents. Front row (L-R): MPS Digital Photography Students Hedieh Sorouri and Chen Qian. Photo Credit: @fredmarcusstudio_Juan
