World’s Top Photographers to Gather in Indianapolis for Hall of Fame Week

Zanele Muholi 

The world’s most highly regarded photographers will converge on the Indy Art Center October 7–11 for a landmark week of events presented in partnership with the International Photography Hall of Fame (IPHF). The celebration, open to the public, combines workshops, exhibitions, lectures, and the induction of six trailblazing photographers into the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Highlights of the week include a four-day bookmaking workshop, a photography exhibition, a free lecture on digital tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and a panel discussion with living inductees. The week culminates with the IPHF Awards Ceremony, honoring new members whose contributions have shaped the art and science of photography.

This year’s inductees represent a powerful cross-section of photographic history and innovation:

• David Burnett – A Washington, D.C.–based photojournalist whose five-decade career has captured history-defining moments, from conflict zones to Olympic Games.

• Keith Carter – Known for poetic, dreamlike imagery of the American South that blurs the line between documentary and art.

• Adger Cowans – Celebrated for his experimental fine art photography and iconic portraits that reflect the depth of Black American culture and music.

• Sheila Metzner – The first woman to break into fashion photography’s elite ranks at Vogue, redefining the genre with painterly, romantic images.

• Zanele Muholi – A South African visual activist acclaimed for portraits and self-portraits documenting and affirming Black LGBTQ+ communities. Muholi will also receive the Visionary Award for their groundbreaking impact on global visual culture.

• Stephen Shore – A pioneer of color photography, whose transformative work elevated everyday scenes into fine art. Shore will be inducted in absentia.

• Lee Miller (posthumously) – The model-turned-war correspondent whose fearless World War II images, including the liberation of concentration camps, remain among the most powerful photographs of the 20th century.

Featured Events

Panel Discussion with 2025 Inductees - Five living inductees will join moderator Frederick Van Johnson, host of This Week in Photo (TWiP), for a discussion on photography’s past, present, and future.

• When: Friday, October 10, 6–8 p.m.

• Where: Indy Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis

• Cost: $50 per person | Register here

Photography Exhibition - A curated selection of works from the IPHF collection will be on display.

• When: October 9–11 (Mon–Fri: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun: noon–6 p.m.)

• Where: Indy Art Center

• Cost: Free admission

Free Lecture: The Past and Future of Digital Photography - Chicago-based photographer Jeff Schewe, an early pioneer in Photoshop and Lightroom development, will give a free lecture and demonstration on digital imaging tools and the role of AI in photography.

• When: Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.–noon

• Where: Indy Art Center

• Cost: Free, reservation required | Reserve here

International Photography Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony - The formal induction of the 2025 Hall of Fame class, including the presentation of the Visionary Award to Zanele Muholi. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions.

• When: Saturday, October 11, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

• Where: Indy Art Center

• Tickets: $275 per person | Purchase here

Workshop: The Photographic Book with Keron Psillas - Award-winning photographer and author Keron Psillas will lead a four-day intensive workshop on transforming photographic work into book form, including hands-on training with Blurb Bookwright software.

• When: October 7–10, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

• Where: Indy Art Center

• Cost: $1,200 per person | Register here