Beyond World Press Photo: Decoding, Questioning,and Debating the World

“Now is not the time to simplify complex realities but rather to make sense of complexity – to acknowledge nuance, multiple perspectives, and the depth of global stories.”
— Joumana El Zein Khoury, Executive Director, World Press Photo

🔍 Event Overview: This is more than just visiting an exhibition — it’s an invitation to reflect together.

Photography doesn’t just show the world – it challenges us to feel, question, and engage with it. Join us for a reflective day at the World Press Photo Exhibition 2025 as we look, ask, reflect, and debate together. This is more than a gallery visit – it’s an opportunity to share your interpretation of the world and engage deeply with some of the dilemmas of our time.

We'll go beyond observing images to understand how they impact the world, question what they say and mean, and grapple with the realities they represent. Together, we’ll hold space for honest, nuanced conversations. In a world where information floods our screens daily, this is a chance to slow down, be present, and think critically.

Some of the topics we will explore together during the Exhibition and the following debate are the following:

📷 Photography & Perception

• How do composition and context affect how we interpret an image?
• Does the platform (e.g. The New York Times) change how we perceive a photo?
• How do photojournalists navigate truth and transparency?
• What photography or documentation techniques stood out to you?
• Can photojournalism challenge dominant narratives in today’s information age?
• Do AI-generated images threaten the practice of photojournalism?
• What is the psychological toll of viewing or creating images of suffering?
• What do you feel when you see a beautiful photograph of a tragic event?
• Which images resonated with you most, and why?
• What makes a photograph feel "truthful"?

⚖️ Philosophy & Ethics

• Is a photo still ethical if it tells the truth but causes harm?
• Can a photo be objective, or is all photography inherently subjective?
• Who owns the story in a photograph — the subject or the photographer?
• What is the difference between witnessing and exploiting suffering?
• Where is the line between documentation and intrusion?
• When does editing cross the line into manipulation?
• How are stereotypes reinforced or challenged through images?
• Does hyper-exposure to (mis)information lead to desensitization?
• Should AI-generated images be allowed in photography contests?

🌍 Politics & Global Events

• Do we need to see graphic imagery to truly understand global events?
• Does the information overload make it harder to understand global events?
• What is the role of photojournalism in a democratic society?
• How do power structures influence which images are published or go viral?
• What global issues are being told through these images? Which are being left out? Which ones where unknown to you?
• How did the photos you saw impacted your opinions on the issues they depict?
• Can a single image challenge or reinforce political narratives?
• What’s your view on press freedom globally? How could we make it universal?
• What role do citizen journalists play today compared to professional photojournalists?
• Which issues resonated with you most, and why?

🧠 Why Is This an Uncommon Experience?

Most exhibition visits ask you to observe. This one asks you to participate — with your mind, your empathy, your questions, and your answers.

This experience is designed to:

• Expand critical thinking and information discernment
• Reignite global curiosity and civic engagement
• Strengthen photography and visual storytelling literacy
• Discover untold and underreported global stories
• Connect meaningfully with others around shared questions

NOTE: You don’t need to be an expert in photography or global events to join. You just need to be open, curious about the world, or simply craving meaningful experiences. During the open debate no question will be too big, or perspective too small. This is a space for shared reflection, where your insights — however personal, philosophical, weird or even contradictory — are welcome.

📅 Schedule

12:00 – 12:30 → Welcome & introduction: Photojournalism and World Press Photo’s mission and legacy
12:30 – 13:30 → Exhibition visit (self-guided, with optional informal guidance or discussion in small groups)
13:30 – 14:00 → Transition to debate location (TBD)
If the weather is nice, we’ll sit in a nearby park. Otherwise, we’ll find a cozy café.
14:00 – 16:00 → Guided discussion and debate (in groups depending on number of attendants and topics of interest)
This conversation will be informal but moderated, respectful, and inclusive — no prior knowledge required. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to listen and share.

NOTE: You’re welcome to join just for the exhibition or the debate — though we strongly recommend attending both parts for a fuller experience.

✅ Practical Details

📍 Location: De Nieuwe Kerk, Dam Square, Amsterdam
🎟️ Tickets for the exhibition (purchased individually):

• General: €19,50
• Youth (12–17): €13,50
• Student / CJP: €13,50
• Free: Children under 11, Stadspas; Museumcard; VriendenLoterij VIP-card; Iamsterdam City Card; GoCity; Members De Nieuwe Kerk; ICOM

🎫 Buy tickets here: www.nieuwekerk.nl/en/ticketshop
(Don’t forget to bring your ID or discount card if eligible!)

### ❓ Did You Know?

The World Press Photo Contest began right here in the Netherlands!

In 1955, a group of Dutch photojournalists decided to transform their national competition — the Zilveren Camera — into an international one. That first edition saw just 42 photographers from 11 countries submitting a little over 300 images. Fast forward to 2025: the contest celebrates its 70th anniversary, with 3,778 photographers from 141 countries submitting more than 59,000 photos.