We’re excited to share that Sony Artisans David Burnett and Jean Fruth recently received Professional Photographer Achievement Awards at the 2025 International Photographic Council (IPC) Hall of Fame & Professional Photographer Achievement Awards Luncheon in New York City. Both longtime members of Sony’s Artisans of Imagery Program, this achievement highlights their exceptional contributions to the field of photography and underscores the impact of their work within the photography community.
“David and Jean have long been a source of inspiration in visual storytelling, especially for me. Their ability to capture powerful, human moments with authenticity and depth is what sets them apart. We’ve been honored to support their creative journeys, and it’s incredible to see their contributions to the photography community recognized on such a prestigious stage,” said Neal Manowitz, President and COO, Sony Electronics Inc.
David Burnett
Photojournalist and Sony Artisan David Burnett has covered the news for over seven decades, with much of his work appearing in major publications such as TIME and People Magazine. Burnett, who has been a member of the Sony Artisan of Imagery program since 2019, has also covered many of the Summer Games and has photographed every American president since John F. Kennedy.
Photo by David Burnett. Sony Alpha 7R III. 1/2500-sec., ISO 200
“It is always a great feeling to be saluted by one's colleagues,” Burnett says about receiving the award. “Somehow there is something very special when it is folks who have chased the same sirens, trekked in the same search for images which tell the stories of our time. I'm very moved. In the end, we do the work we do because we love it, we can't NOT do it, and when others in our little world notice, that is very nice indeed.”
Photo by David Burnett.
Burnett is thankful to Sony for not only the technology and tools to tell these stories, but also for fostering a tightknit and diverse community of Sony photographers. “There is a great sense of comradeship with those we share the world with, and I can't get enough of it,” he says. “I can't think of a better group of men and women to be associated with. It's pretty much lucky me, all the time, just to know these folks. Going back six decades, I can count many people in photojournalism whose generosity never stopped flowing.”
See more of David Burnett's work at davidburnett.com.
Jean Fruth
Sony Artisan Jean Fruth is a global sports photographer who documents baseball at all levels. She’s the co-founder of Grassroots Baseball, a non-profit that promotes and celebrates the amateur game around the globe. Fruth, also a member of the Sony Artisan program since 2019, recently directed and produced a documentary, SEE HER BE HER, that shines an overdue spotlight on premiere female players.
Photo by Jean Fruth. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/4000-sec., f/3.2, ISO 200
“Receiving the 2025 IPC Professional Photographer Achievement Award is an incredible honor that holds deep personal and professional significance for me,” Fruth says. “Personally, it represents the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and passion for storytelling through photography. It validates the countless hours spent honing my craft, pushing creative boundaries, and striving to connect with people through visual art. It’s not just about the recognition: it’s about knowing that the work I pour my heart into has touched others in
some way.”
She continues, “Professionally, this recognition affirms my contributions to the photography community and inspires me to continue evolving—not just as an artist, but also as a mentor, collaborator, and advocate for the power of imagery. It’s a reminder that hard work and authenticity resonate, and it motivates me to keep elevating my work and supporting others on their creative journeys.”
Photo by Jean Fruth. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/3200-sec., f/2.8, ISO 200
Fruth notes how community has been an essential part of her photographic journey, especially when it comes to learning from different styles and approaches. “The value of community goes beyond technical support or professional networking. It’s about shared purpose, mutual respect, and the collective belief in the power of visual storytelling. As someone who creates for a cause, I’ve found that community amplifies impact—when like-minded creatives come together, we’re able to raise awareness, support meaningful work, and inspire real change in ways we couldn’t do alone.”
See more of Jean Fruth's work at jeanfruthimages.com.
