Have a phone? Take a picture!
That’s the way most of us take photos these days. But photography remains a creative art mastered by only a select few.
The IMF-World Bank International Photographic Society (IPS) has long nurtured the creativity and skill of photographers in our two institutions.
This week however, the photo society celebrates its 50th annual photo exhibition.
IPS through the years
In January 1966, a group of IMF staff established what was called the IMF “Camera Club.” The club consisted of staff and spouses with an interest in photography. A few years later, the club welcomed World Bank and IFC colleagues, becoming the IMF-World Bank International Photographic Society (IPS).
For 49 years, the IMF lobby has displayed the club’s winning images selected from themed monthly photo competitions. This tradition has been halted by our current circumstances in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adapting to the times, IPS is going virtual. The photo exhibition will be online. You are all welcome to scroll through here!
In this video, IPS president Marisa Loddo and other members share how the club has nurtured the creativity and skill of photographers at all levels.
Some members of the IMF-World Bank International Photographic Society
Membership and activities
IPS is a member club of the Photographic Society of America and comprises 300 photographers. The club is has members with skill levels ranging from casual enthusiasts to international award winners.
Some of the activities the club organizes include workshops and interactive training events. Members and interested staff experience deep dives in proposed topics, usually with hands-on photo shoots.
Photo style interests range from humanitarian photography and family portrait shots, to landscape and street photography—some have even been official photographers at colleagues’ weddings and private events.
Guided by local professional photographers, IPS members go on organized Photo Walks around the city’s iconic monuments, distinctive architecture and vibrant street life.
IPS in the community
Social responsibility is a priority. As a result, club members collaborate as part of the World Bank Group’s Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRG) to capture global events of public interest.
One such example was last year’s first-ever WBG-IMF Global Yoga event. Organized by the GCS Fitness Center, the event served to promote health and wellness among staff worldwide.
Another highlight was 2019’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia Day. GLOBE (an LGBT+ Employee Resource Group) partnered with IPS on a photography exhibition. The event show cased moving stories of LGBT+ individuals to reduce stigma and support a culture of inclusion.
As IPS celebrates its 50th annual exhibition anniversary, members welcome employees and spouses to join the club.
Let us share in the growing photography community!
