The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Photographie (DGPh) sees itself as an organization whose activities predominantly concern the cultural interests of photography and related imaging media. These activities include both the conventional process of photography and its many different fields of application in art, science, education, journalism, industry and politics, as well as the non-conventional methods and new forms of imaging media.
The DGPh wants to be an open forum for all people interested in photography. With public events it wishes to actively contribute to socially relevant and ongoing issues concerning technical imagery in our day and age.
In its interdisciplinary member and organization structure, which covers the different divisions of “imagery”, “education and advanced training”, “history and archives”, “art, marketing and law”, “medical and science photography” as well as “science and technology”, the DGPh is able to deal with corresponding issues in a cross-sectoral context.
Above and beyond this the DGPh sees itself as a representative body for the public presentation and interpretation of future-pointing photographic work. It was with this in mind that the DGPh founded prizes and awards which are conferred upon personalities and photographic institutions whose imaging, scientific, journalistic or social work has acquired particular recognition. With their Cultural Award the DGPh distinguishes personalities who have contributed to photography in an artistic, scientific or journalistic way. The “Dr. Erich Salomon Award” honors media and photographers for their outstanding photography in journalism.
Our values - German Photographic Society (DGPh)
The German Photographic Society (DGPh) is an institutional platform for the promoting and appreciation of photography in all its forms and applications. Our values define who we are and how we want to contribute to shaping the future of photography.
1. Commitment to photography
We are passionate about photography as an art form, a means of communication and a scientific tool. Our goal is to support and preserve the diverse applications of photography in art, science, education and society.
2. Promoting diversity and inclusion
The DGPh stands for both openness and diversity. We welcome all people, regardless of origin, gender, age, religion or social background. We believe that photography is a universal medium that unites people and makes different perspectives visible. We also consider photography to be an important contribution to international understanding.
3. Particular Responsibility
In view of German history, the DGPh expressly acknowledges its special responsibility towards Jewish life in Germany and for the existence of the State of Israel. For this reason, too, the Dr. Erich Salomon Prize was established in 1971, dedicated to the pioneer of modern photojournalism Dr. Erich Salomon, who was murdered by the National Socialists in Auschwitz on July 7, 1944.
4. Artistic freedom and diversity of opinion
We defend the right to artistic freedom and freedom of speech. The DGPh offers an open forum for dialog that promotes critical debate and accepts a diversity of opinions and artistic approaches. We have no room for extreme political, ideological or religious statements that undermine democratic values, nor do we tolerate hate speech.
5. Respect and integrity
Treating each other with respect and appreciation is essential for us. We always act with integrity and promote a fair and respectful exchange in discussions, projects and collaborations with our members and partners.
6. Responsibility for cultural heritage
The DGPh considers it its duty to preserve the photographic heritage and to actively shape the development of this medium. We support and promote photographers, curators, institutions and academics in order to publicly recognize pioneering photographic achievements and safeguard them for future generations.
7. Internationality and openness
The DGPh understands itself not only as an institution, but also as a networking community. We want to promote photography and intensify exchange with international partners and photographers. Our aim is to position the DGPh as a globally significant voice of photography.
8. Sustainability and viability for the future
We aim to promote the past and present of photography and follow a sustainable, future-oriented path. Innovation, new technologies and the promotion of sustainable cultural practices are essential elements of this approach.
These values represent the basis of our actions and our vision for the future of photography. We welcome all those who are passionate about photography and are committed to its importance in society, as well as those with expertise in its various fields, to become part of the DGPh and shape the future together with us.
Dr. Sandra Abend, Ruediger Glatz, Teona Gogichaishvili, Roy Hessing, Rainer Schlautmann, Stephan J. Schulz.
Managing board of the German Photographic Society (DGPh)