Platon

Photographer and Founder, The People's Portfolio

Renowned portrait photographer, having photographed more world leaders than anyone else in history. Has photographed over 30 covers for TIME Magazine, including their 2008 Vladimir Putin Person of the Year cover. Has also photographed every living American president, including President Donald Trump. 2008, Staff Photographer, The New Yorker; maintains long-term relationships with many international publications. Has published five books with subjects ranging from the power of world leaders to the dignity of those who serve in the US Military to heroes of the global fight for human rights. 2013, founded the People’s Portfolio, a non-profit foundation dedicated to celebrating emerging human rights and civil rights leaders around the world. The People’s Portfolio creates a visual language that breaks barriers, expands dignity, fights discrimination and enlists the public to support human rights around the world. Member of the Board, Arts and Culture and Steward, Economic Growth and Social Inclusion Initiative, World Economic Forum. Life’s work is the subject of a Netflix documentary, “Abstract: The Art of Design”. First film, “My Body Is Not A Weapon”, features survivors of wartime sexual violence and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Denis Mukwege. Platon’s archive of prominent African American civil rights leaders and cultural leaders was acquired by the Smithsonian in 2020. In 2022, Platon headlined at TED Vancouver, promoting curiosity over judgment. In 2022, Platon’s second film, Portrait of a Stranger, was made in partnership with the United Nations, honoring the voices of refugees from around the world.

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