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Speaker, photographer & storyteller

Platon

Experience the power of visual storytelling and gain a deeper understanding of humanity with Platon, speaker, photographer, and storyteller.

Trusted by The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vogue, TIME, The New Yorker

Platon
Platon

Platon

New York City, United States

Typical fee range

$26k–50k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Platon

Book Platon

New York City, United States

Starting from

$26k–50k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Platon's biography

At a glance

  • Captured portraits of more world leaders than any other photographer
  • Staff photographer for The New Yorker; featured in NYT, Vogue, Rolling Stone
  • Founder of The People's Portfolio, focusing on human rights through photography

Platon, a renowned photographer and storyteller, captures the essence of world leaders and ordinary individuals through his evocative portraits. He believes a photograph is just the beginning of a story, breaking down personal barriers to reveal true essence. Photographing more world leaders than any other in history, including six American presidents, Platon's work is featured in influential publications like The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Vogue. With over 30 cover photos for TIME and as staff photographer for The New Yorker since 2008, his talent is undeniable. Beyond prominent figures, Platon focuses on human rights issues, creating haunting images through his non-profit foundation, The People's Portfolio. His belief in visual storytelling to combat discrimination is evident in his work. With two monographs, "Power" and "Service," Platon showcases his portraits of world leaders and U.S. military personnel. His presentations delve into humanity's highs and lows, emphasizing empathy, open dialogue, and unity. Workshops focus on building connections and belonging, drawing on experiences with cultural icons. Platon's emotive presentations inspire audiences, leaving them yearning for more of his exceptional work.

Topics, sessions and talks

The Power Of Unity: Rekindling The Spirit Of Optimism

A master communicator and storyteller, Platon has photographed a unique mix of subjects across the globe — ranging from the world’s most powerful to everyday people.

The Power Workshop

In this follow-up to “Powerful Portraits,” master photographer Platon shares a career’s worth of lessons learned from interacting with some of the world’s most prominent figures — including Donald Trump, George Clooney, Mohammed Ali, Mark Zuckerberg, Edward Snowden, Stephen Hawking, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, and other heads of state and U.S. Military heroes.

Lens On Leadership: Captivating Narratives And Visual Storytelling For Unity

Platon: A Lens on Leadership and Humanity: Join the photographer, Platon, as he imparts his wisdom gained from capturing world leaders and delving into the realm of human rights through his lens. Uncover the captivating narratives that lie beneath the surface of his portraits, nurturing empathy and fostering a sense of togetherness. Explore the power of visual storytelling in bridging gaps and promoting unity.

Why we recommend booking Platon

Platon's unparalleled experience photographing world leaders and his focus on human rights through visual storytelling will inspire your team to embrace empathy and unity in their work. His ability to reveal the true essence of his subjects encourages open dialogue and fosters a sense of belonging. Booking Platon will not only enrich your team's perspective but also motivate them to approach challenges with a fresh, compassionate outlook.

Check Platon's availability

Trusted by The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vogue, TIME, The New Yorker

Testimonials

Platon is one of those wonderful and most rare speakers where the audience arrives intrigued—but not quite sure what to expect—and then leaves completely blown away. He is a masterful storyteller, with his photographs and with his accompanying presentation. Simply one of the best.

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Platon for my next event?

To book Platon for your event, email platon@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you ASAP to confirm Platon's availability and speaking fee. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and about your audience.

What is Platon's speaking style like?

Platon structures his sessions around the stories behind specific portraits, walking audiences through encounters with named subjects — including heads of state, military figures, and cultural icons — to draw out lessons on leadership, empathy, and human connection.

What topics does Platon focus on?

Platon's sessions address unity and optimism, visual storytelling and leadership, and human rights through photography. He has photographed more world leaders than any other photographer in history, including six American presidents, and has served as staff photographer for The New Yorker since 2008.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.

What happens after I send a brief?

Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.

What does the typical fee range mean?

The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.

Have all the speakers on the website worked with PepTalk before?

Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.

How far in advance should I book a speaker?

Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.