Culture

Photography is about far more than capturing an image. How photos are shared and what social issues are impacting the profession are just as important. PetaPixel regularly covers the stories around the culture of photography, how it affects society, and what cultural changes affect the art.
Jeremy Gray
A man with gray hair and wearing sunglasses and a white shirt stands in front of a section of the Great Wall of China. The ancient structure stretches across rolling hills covered in autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.

CA Gov Newsom Pays $200K Per Year for Famed Photographer to Tail Him

California Governor Gavin Newsom's administration hired a personal photographer earlier this year, raising eyebrows among California taxpayers. Officially called the governor's Director of Photography, the photographer reportedly earns a $200,000 annual salary, among the highest in Newsom's administration, and just $34,000 shy of Newsom's wages.

Jaron Schneider
A pop art style portrait of a woman's face with vibrant colors. The woman's hair is yellow, and her face is shaded with blue, purple, and white hues. The text "ProPaint V27 Release 14" is positioned at the top-left corner in red.

Rare Digital Portrait by Andy Warhol for Sale for $26 Million

In 1985, Commodore announced the Amiga 1000 computer and, at a public launch event, brought Andy Warhol in to create a digital portrait of Blondie’s Debbie Harry. That image was believed lost but has been in the possession of an original Commodore digital technician who is now making it available to purchase for $26 million.

Jeremy Gray
Two swimmers celebrate with outstretched arms, joy apparent on their faces, while wearing USA swim caps. Next to them, a close-up of a swimmer with a determined expression, wearing pink goggles and a black swim cap, emerging from the water.

Pro Sports Photographer Details How to Capture Iconic Paris Olympics Moments

The 2024 Summer Olympics kicked off in Paris earlier this week, with the official opening commencing today, July 26. The "Games of the XXXIII Olympiad," as the event is officially known, puts athletes through grueling competition, but the photographers on hand to photograph everything don't have it much easier. It is a sports photography gauntlet.