White House News Photographers Association

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White House News Photographers Association The WHNPA is a 100-year-old not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of Washington’s professional visual journalists.

In the early 1920s, when motion and still photographers started covering Washington newsmakers, the coverage was restricted and access to the business of government was limited. Even the speaker of the House of Representatives, Frederick Gillett, issued an order "denying photographers entry without written permission of the building superintendent." As a result, 17 camera and motion-picture photographers who covered the daily activities of the president and the White House organized the White House News Photographers Association on June 13, 1921. Recognition of the organization came immediately as President Warren Harding set aside the first pressroom for photographers. The rest of official Washington soon followed and permitted access to events. The WHNPA's main goal is to protect and promote photographers' interests in pursuing their mission. Since the beginning of the association, our members have been covering events and activities of major world importance, traveling with presidents, photographing royalty, diplomats and newsmakers. They have been at the forefront of video and photographic technology, and they have recorded some of the world's greatest moments. Through the years, many of these images have become part of history. We may not know the historic significance of the images captured today, but history will. We know that history can be forever changed in the split second that a photographer decides to press the shutter or start the camera rolling; it is the defining moment that blends art with information.

What a night! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala and helped make it such a special e...
09/24/2026

What a night!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala and helped make it such a special evening. It was wonderful to celebrate with friends, colleagues, supporters, and the visual journalists whose work helps tell the story of our time.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. Your work informs, inspires, and preserves history, and we’re proud to recognize your achievements.

A special thank you to our supporters at Nikon and Tiffen for their continued commitment to visual journalism and the people behind the camera.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who believes in the importance of a free press and the First Amendment. Supporting visual journalism means supporting the photographers, videographers, and journalists who bear witness, document history, and help keep the public informed.

Thank you for being part of this community and for celebrating with us.

“Every member of this Association goes to work each day committed to defending the principles of a free and fair press. ...
09/21/2026

“Every member of this Association goes to work each day committed to defending the principles of a free and fair press. That work is not done.” — WHNPA President Jessica Koscielniak, speaking at the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala.

What a night!Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala and helped us celebrate the extraord...
09/20/2026

What a night!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala and helped us celebrate the extraordinary photographers and videographers who show up, bear witness and document history as it unfolds.

Congratulations to all of our honorees and winners.

Until next year!

Two remarkable careers in visual journalism take center stage at the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala.Susan Biddle is honored ...
09/20/2026

Two remarkable careers in visual journalism take center stage at the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala.

Susan Biddle is honored with the WHNPA Lifetime Achievement Award for Photography, and Dan Huff is honored with the WHNPA Lifetime Achievement Award for Video.

Their work represents decades of documenting history and the people and moments that have shaped it.

Congratulations, Susan and Dan!

Congratulations to the photographers and videographers behind some of the year’s most powerful visual journalism!
09/20/2026

Congratulations to the photographers and videographers behind some of the year’s most powerful visual journalism!

We raise a glass to the First Amendment and to the visual journalists who show up at the moments that matter, so the res...
09/20/2026

We raise a glass to the First Amendment and to the visual journalists who show up at the moments that matter, so the rest of the world can see them too.

Here’s to 250 years of a free and independent press, to the Eyes of History®, and to those who make sure history is not only remembered, but seen.

The countdown is on — just 3 days until the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala!There’s still time to join us for an evening cele...
09/16/2026

The countdown is on — just 3 days until the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala!

There’s still time to join us for an evening celebrating the best in visual journalism and storytelling. Plus, don’t miss your chance to bid on incredible photographs donated by WHNPA members and friends!

Tickets and auction photos are available now at the link in our bio.

WHNPA photographers have documented some of the most significant moments of our time. This year, several photojournalist...
09/14/2026

WHNPA photographers have documented some of the most significant moments of our time. This year, several photojournalists have generously donated their own work to the Eyes of History® Gala auction, including Carol Guzy, Doug Mills, Julia Demaree-Nikhinson, Susan Walsh, Diana Walker, Chris Hondros, Jodi Cobb, and many others.

Guests will have the opportunity to bid on signed prints and take home a remarkable image captured by photographers who witnessed history firsthand!

Bidding will take place in person during the Eyes of History® Gala.

Preview the prints available in this year’s auction at the link in our bio!

Missed last week’s freelancer ticket discount? You’re in luck! The WHNPA is offering $50 off your ticket to the 2026 Eye...
09/01/2026

Missed last week’s freelancer ticket discount? You’re in luck!

The WHNPA is offering $50 off your ticket to the 2026 Eyes of History® Gala through September 11, 2026.

Freelancers, check your email for your discount code.

The offer expires on Friday, September 11, at 11:59 p.m. and cannot be combined with any other discount.

We look forward to celebrating with you on September 19!

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 ‘Eyes of History®’ Gala, taking place September 19!Freelancers, check your email fo...
08/24/2026

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 ‘Eyes of History®’ Gala, taking place September 19!

Freelancers, check your email for a special discount code.

Join us for an evening celebrating the visual journalists whose work has chronicled the most consequential moments of the past year. Together, we’ll recognize this year’s ‘Eyes of History®’ competition winners and celebrate the excellence, dedication and impact of visual storytelling.

Get your tickets at the link in our bio. We hope to see you there!

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PO Pox 7119 Ben Franklin Station
Washington D.C., DC
20044

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