Munich, January 2026 – 80 Years of PHOTO PRESSE: Hall of Fame Honors Influential Figures in the Photography Industry
Germany’s most traditional photography trade magazine, PHOTO PRESSE, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Since December 1945, “PP” has accompanied the development of photography – from the analog darkroom to the digital revolution and the ubiquitous image culture of today.
“PHOTO PRESSE has always been a medium about people, about attitudes, and about the question of what photography can achieve in its respective time – culturally, economically, and socially,” says Wolfgang Heinen, publisher of PHOTO PRESSE.
On the occasion of the anniversary, ten individuals were honored as part of the PHOTO PRESSE Hall of Fame for their outstanding commitment to attitude, innovation, and the cultural relevance of photography. The selection was deliberately subjective, based on objective criteria – with a focus on sustainable impact, entrepreneurial courage, creative excellence, and social engagement.
“With the Hall of Fame, we want to show that photography is much more than just a product or a trend,” explains Benjamin Lorenz, editor-in-chief of PHOTO PRESSE. “It exists where people take responsibility, dare to try new things, and have the courage to forge their own paths. That is exactly what we honor with these individuals.”
The Recipients of the PHOTO PRESSE Hall of Fame 2026
- Thomas Blömer – Journalist
For independent, opinionated trade journalism in the imaging industry and for critically accompanying the technological and economic upheavals of the industry. - Esther Haase – Photographer
For a distinctive visual language that has reinterpreted fashion photography in an emotional, playful, and visually innovative way. - Silvia & Lois Lammerhuber – Publishers
For their publishing and social commitment, making photography visible as a cultural and humanistic force. - Markus Lanz – Supporter
For using his public platform to promote documentary photography and raise awareness of global issues. - Thomas Mehls – Photography Culture
For the sustainable development of a positive, inclusive photography culture and the further development of the world’s largest photography competition. - Alexander Nieswandt – Photography Service Provider
For redefining the photography lab in the digital age and consistently combining high technology, quality, and service. - Karin Rehn-Kaufmann – Photography Gallery
For the international presentation, promotion, and development of photography culture at the highest curatorial level. - Rainer Th. Schorcht – Retailer
For decades of commitment to the German and European photography trade, and for his role as a connector between the market, industry, and trade. - Dietmar Wüller – Photography Technology
For establishing international standards in imaging measurement technology and the objective evaluation of image quality. - Kazuto Yamaki – Camera Industry
For entrepreneurial courage, uncompromising product quality, and a unique design and innovation culture at Sigma.
Festive Gala at the Seehaus in Munich
The Hall of Fame awards ceremony took place at the Seehaus in the Englischer Garten in Munich – in an elegant and festive setting with exclusive guests from industry, trade, media, and photography culture. The event provided space for personal encounters, retrospectives, and perspectives on the future of photography.
The evening was opened by Myriam Karsch, spokesperson for the management of the Five Monkeys Group. Wolfgang Heinen and Benjamin Lorenz hosted the awards ceremony, who presented the awards in a festive ceremony. “This anniversary celebration is a clear commitment to the future of photography – and to the people who make it possible,” said Wolfgang Heinen in conclusion.