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 person with short hair is smiling softly at the camera. Overlaid text reads "WHY I LEFT The Verge," with "The Verge" partially obscured by a purple circular scribble. The background includes a dimly lit room with a plant and computer screens.

‘Who Owns My Work, and Why Isn’t It Me?’

Becca Farsace has been the face and mind behind much of The Verge's photography coverage for years, including the publication's "Full Frame" podcast and camera reviews. However, this week, Farsace left to venture out on her own for reasons that hit close to home for many content creators.

Jeremy Gray
A solemn view of countless white headstones arranged in neat rows at a military cemetery, set on a well-manicured green lawn, reflecting the sacrifices of fallen soldiers. The headstones stretch into the distance, creating a poignant and respectful atmosphere.

Trump Campaign Under Fire for Arlington Cemetery Photo Op

For American politicians, photo ops are a significant part of their campaigning efforts. Former President and 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump is no stranger to them, but one on Monday, August 26, at Arlington National Cemetery's Section 60 has proved especially controversial.

Jeremy Gray
Two images side by side. The left shows bridesmaids in pastel dresses standing on grass, a black dog holding a ball is in the foreground. The right shows two brides in white gowns on a wooden deck, embracing under a canopy, with colorful flowers nearby.

What a Dog Saw During His Day as an Adorable Wedding Videographer

People pay big money for wedding photographers and videographers, and with good reason. There's no substitute for a talented, experienced team on a couple's big day. However, strapping a GoPro to a dog can be a fun addition to the imaging team, as a talented pooch in the United Kingdom demonstrated this month.

Jeremy Gray
The image shows two logos: Adobe Photoshop (Ps) on the left and Adobe Illustrator (AI) on the right, with a "not equal" symbol (≠) between them. The background is a swirling, abstract design with shades of green, blue, and black.

AI Empowers Fake Photos and Disinformation in Ways Photoshop Never Could

Since digital image editing tools like Adobe Photoshop hit the scene in the late 1980s, there have been heightened concerns about whether photos can be trusted. This long-time worry has become an increasingly common refrain among artificial intelligence's most ardent defenders, but it doesn't serve as a sound defense against criticisms of AI.

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.