NEW YORK, NY — October 18, 2023 — The IPC (International Photographic Council) held an award ceremony this month to celebrate and honor six professional photographers and two student photographers for their contributions to the world of photography. The six photographers were internationally recognized at the Headquarters of the United Nations for their commitment and achievements made in the photographic field. Among those recognized was SIGMA Corporation of America Ambassador Jim Koepnick.
The IPC is a multinational civil society organization — a non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group — formally associated with the United Nations Global Department of Communications. It is comprised of imaging industry professionals worldwide, practicing any and all visual media. The IPC is dedicated to promoting recognition of photography as a universal medium for communication through their motto, “Peace through photography, the universal language”.
Jim Koepnick was awarded alongside ambassadors from other major photoimaging manufacturing subsidiaries; Sony, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm respectively. Each representative was recognized for their catalogue of photographic work, mission goals, and outstanding achievements reached through the photographic medium. Industry executives and IPC founders were also recognized and honored alongside two student scholarship recipients from the School of Visual Arts. Attendees took a moment to honor the late James L. Chung — an original founding member of the IPC Award and Council, and for whom the new scholarship award was named.
SIGMA Corporation of America’s own Jim Koepnick was recognized for his air-to-air photography exploits, body of commercial photography work, and the social commentary behind his photojournalistic and street photography career. Prior to his role at SIGMA and as an independent digital photojournalist, Jim served as Chief Photographer for the Experimental Aviation Association. Jim’s work has been printed and featured in LIFE Magazine, TIME Magazine, Men’s Journal, People, and Popular Mechanics. Currently, Jim’s clients include Plane and Pilot Magazine, and the Oshkosh Convention and Visitor Bureau.
Jim Koepnick was accompanied to the event by his wife Charlene, and members of the SIGMA America team including Mark Amir-Hamzeh, President of SIGMA Corporation of America. “For Jim to be recognized among such high talent is an honor for SIGMA. Jim is an invaluable member of our team and his lifetime of work represents a standard of excellence. We could not be more proud of what he has achieved as a frontline representative for SIGMA.”
*All photo credits: Fred Marcus Studio (@fredmarcusstudio).