The World Press Photo is an independent, non-profit organization based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. In 1955, a group of Dutch photographers held their first World Press Photo contest. Since then, the contest has continued until it became the biggest and most valuable photography contest. Through their programs and worldwide contests, they broadcast the most important stories across the world to millions of viewers. This contest highlights significant stories & topics and true events.
The 2021 World Press Photo Exhibition will be hosted in 46 countries throughout the world those of which include Spain, Netherlands, France, Australia, Italy, Mexico and Germany. The best photos of the year will be displayed and their stories will be told. Metrography Agency, for the second time, will be bringing this international exhibition to Kurdistan and will continue the series of international exhibitions in Sulaymaniyah.
Metrography was founded in 2010 by Iraqi photographer Kamaran Najm and American photojournalist Sebastian Meyer, with the objective of establishing an independent photojournalism industry in Kurdistan and Iraq.
Through its projects, programs, and training; Metrography Agency has served the photographers in Kurdistan and Iraq, and has helped them to develop their photography careers since the beginning of its establishment. Over the years, Metrography has gained worldwide recognition and the work of its photographers has been exhibited internationally and published on some of the most renowned media outlets.
On the evening of June 12th, 2014 Metrography’s General Director, Kamaran Najm was shot in the neck by an ISIS insurgent while covering the first fight between ISIS and Peshmarga forces in South of Kirkuk. He has been held captive and no news have been heard on his whereabouts since then.
