VII is excited to announce one of the most transformative evolutions in its history. The agency has added to its fold a diverse and polymathic group of photographers, filmmakers, and educators who will help steer the agency into the next period of its storied life.
The new members are Anush Babajanyan, Zackary Canepari, Linda Bournane Engelberth, Ziyah Gafic, Ilvy Njiokiktjien, Carlos Javier Ortiz, Ruddy Roye, and Nichole Sobecki. They will join current members Jessica Dimmock, Danny Wilcox Frazier, Ashley Gilbertson, Ron Haviv, Jocelyn Bain Hogg, Ed Kashi, Stefano De Luigi, Christopher Morris, Maciek Nabrdalik, Franco Pagetti, and Tomas van Houtryve.
Joining them as emeritus members are Dr. Paul Lowe, Daniel Schwartz, Maggie Steber, and Sara Terry. They will join current Emeritus members Joachim Ladefoged, Antonin Kratochvil, Gary Knight, John Stanmeyer, and the Estate of Alexandra Boulat.
The agency is excited to work with these deeply talented and resourceful new members who, at different stages of their careers, bring a multiplicity of skills, diverse voices, and experiences to VII. They have commitment, passion, and momentum and are photographers, filmmakers, and storytellers who can help VII to develop the new channels and initiatives that it sees as essential to the life of a contemporary photo agency.
About VII
VII is a storied photo agency founded a few days before 9/11 to challenge the convergence in the photography business when the trend for giant companies swallowing smaller independent agencies started. VII went small and photographer-owned, believing in the power and energy of collective effort when everyone else seemed to be going big and corporate. VII remains a disruptive and innovative business unafraid to swim against the prevailing currents.
VII has turned its gaze far from the frontline of its foundation. It has earned a reputation for uncompromising photography immersed in the great issues of today. VII photographers and filmmakers are as likely to be found focusing on race, gender, and identity as they are on migration or conflict. Amplifying local voices and addressing the complex political, environmental, and social questions facing families everywhere, VII places great value in the power of images to tell important stories. The members of VII are motivated by issues and are proud to elevate those issues above the cult of the image or the cult of the photographer.
