White House News Photographers Association

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White House News Photographers Association

The WHNPA is a 100-year-old not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of Washington’s professional visual journalists.

In the early 1920s, when motion and still photographers started covering Washington newsmakers, the coverage was restricted and access to the business of government was limited. Even the speaker of the House of Representatives, Frederick Gillett, issued an order "denying photographers entry without written permission of the building superintendent." As a result, 17 camera and motion-picture photog

raphers who covered the daily activities of the president and the White House organized the White House News Photographers Association on June 13, 1921. Recognition of the organization came immediately as President Warren Harding set aside the first pressroom for photographers. The rest of official Washington soon followed and permitted access to events. The WHNPA's main goal is to protect and promote photographers' interests in pursuing their mission. Since the beginning of the association, our members have been covering events and activities of major world importance, traveling with presidents, photographing royalty, diplomats and newsmakers. They have been at the forefront of video and photographic technology, and they have recorded some of the world's greatest moments. Through the years, many of these images have become part of history. We may not know the historic significance of the images captured today, but history will. We know that history can be forever changed in the split second that a photographer decides to press the shutter or start the camera rolling; it is the defining moment that blends art with information.

07/24/2026

Last week, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-VA, honored former Roll Call photo editor Doug Graham, who passed away after a battle with cancer on July 12, 2026. Douglas Graham was an award-winning photojournalist whose images captured decades of history and community life. During his years at Roll Call, he documented Congress, presidential campaigns, and pivotal moments in Washington while mentoring countless photographers with his creativity, humor, and generosity. Later, as a founding photojournalist at Loudoun Now, he continued telling the stories that mattered most to his community. His work left a lasting impact on journalism and on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.

Video by Chris Hale at Roll Call

05/30/2026

Mark your calendars! Join your fellow WHNPA members and kick off summer with a happy hour at Nice & Easy!We hope to see you there ☀️

When: Thursday, June 4
Time: 5:30
Where: Nice & Easy
1124 Congress St. NE
Washington, DC 20002

05/14/2026

Save the date! Saturday, September 19, 2026 will be the 105th White House News Photographers gala!

Tickets will go on sale soon! Please watch your emails from us, as well as our Instagram, Facebook and X for all the latest news and updates.

We are all looking forward to celebrating our remarkable visual journalism community!

05/05/2026

It’s live! aired ’s book talk on his published photo book “After the Riot” hosted by the and ! Thank you to CSPAN videographers Darren Larade and Justin Metzger for volunteering their time to help document the discussion for everyone to enjoy. Click the link in our bio to watch!

04/26/2026

A statement from President on last night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

04/17/2026

FINAL DAY! ——- The WHNPA board is conducting a survey to recognize our evolving visual journalism landscape and need to adapt and reshape our annual ‘Eyes of History®’ contests in order to better reflect the work that you do. We encourage you to take some time to thoughtfully share your ideas and opinions!

Link in bio!

04/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to support at his book talk hosted by and on his recently published book ‘After the Riot.’ Frank talked about his creative process, his experience publishing the book, and the importance of documenting stories of people who experienced January 6 at the U.S. Capitol. Thank you to , , and for helping put on this engaging event, and to Pete Williams for moderating! It was a great evening!

Frank’s book is available for purchase at https://www.frankthorp.com/

Photos by: and

04/06/2026

The WHNPA board is conducting a survey to recognize our evolving visual journalism landscape and need to adapt and reshape our annual ‘Eyes of History®’ contests in order to better reflect the work that you do.

We encourage you to take some time to thoughtfully share your ideas and opinions so we’re able to make mindful and inclusive decisions as we plan for future contests!

Link is in our bio!

03/31/2026

SAVE THE DATE: , in conjunction with , will host a book talk at in Union Market to discuss his recently published book ‘After the Riot.’ The conversation will be moderated by Pete Williams, former Justice Correspondent for NBC News. Frank and Pete will discuss the book, the process, and the importance of keeping stories alive. We look forward to seeing you there!

Address

PO Pox 7119 Ben Franklin Station
Washington D.C., DC
20044

Website

http://www.whnpa.org/

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