2013 International Photographer of the year

Brooks Kraft

Born in New York City, Brooks Kraft graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in photography and film. Early in his career, Kraft spent a year as an apprentice to photographer Irving Penn, and traveled with Nelson Mandela during the historic South African Presidential election of 1994.

In 2000, Kraft moved to Washington, where he was assigned to cover the White for Time Magazine. A veteran of seven presidential campaigns, Kraft has travelled on Air Force One throughout America and to more than fifty countries. His photographs of Presidents have appeared on over 30 Time covers.

Emblematic of his versatility is Kraft’s extensive portrait work. From presidents, celebrities and corporate leaders to everyday people. Kraft’s discerning eye captures the unique dynamic presence of everyone. From the hyperkinetic world of presidential campaigns to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies to the factory floor, Kraft’s unobtrusive style and gift for composition allow him to quickly translate everyday scenes into powerful imagery.

Kraft’s work has garnered numerous awards over the years, with citations in World Press, Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts, and American Photography Annual. His photographs of President Obama have won many top recent honors, including Photo of the Year in the 2013 White House News Photographers contest. His images have also been featured in several international exhibitions, and recently displayed at the Newseum in Washington, DC.

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