Celebrated Photographer Platon Shares Insights from Behind the Lens

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. Having recently worked with Donald Trump, Platon shares rare and unique insight into the U.S. President’s current mindset and character, and also reflects on his personal encounters with Vladimir Putin, Benjamin Netanyahu, and tech titans Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.  

Against an ever-changing political, cultural, and technological landscape, Platon calls for constructive optimism and unity. Leaving audiences enthralled, Platon explores the poignant and riveting stories behind his renowned portraits, showcasing his extraordinary ability to penetrate the barriers of his sometimes weary subjects and revealing lessons in leadership and compassion he has learned from some of the world’s most prominent figures—and how they can be applied to our everyday interactions. This is the culminating program in our Humans of New Canaan series this Fall.  

Platon is one of world’s most renowned portrait photographers, having photographed more world leaders than anyone else in history, including six American presidents. He has photographed over 30 covers for TIME Magazine, including their 2008 Vladimir Putin Person of The Year cover which was awarded 1st prize at the World Press Photo Contest, and most recently, their 2024 Donald Trump Person of The Year. In 2013, Platon founded The People’s Portfolio, a non-profit foundation dedicated to celebrating emerging leaders of human rights and civil rights around the world.