Kultivierung und Vermessung von Maispflanzen am Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung in Gatersleben

To show the world as it is.

For us humans, images are the most quickly readable means of communication and an indispensable part of today’s society. Independent photography ensures that important issues and different perspectives remain visible – as the basis for democratic opinion-forming.

Artificial intelligence brings a new challenge: it can convincingly deceive us about the reality of images, leaving us unsure whether we can still trust our eyes.

In the face of growing disinformation, we need reliable journalism as a counterbalance. Images are an essential part of that. The authenticity and credibility of images are values we want to strengthen and promote.

Today, more than 370 people are part of the laif Cooperative. They come from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds and work together to ensure that photography remains independent.

Why the laif Cooperative is committed to this mission, what goals it pursues, and how you can become part of this community – you will find out on the following pages.

Images matter

Photojournalism and documentary photography are indispensable. Images document what is happening in our society today; they tell stories from different perspectives and inspire public discourse. They can illustrate complex contexts that words alone cannot capture — they make abstract problems tangible.

As images become increasingly easy to manipulate, documentary photography builds trust in reliable reporting. It brings visibility to issues that are otherwise underrepresented. And it shows how seductive the illusion of a simple world can be.

Maria Feck/laif

Porträt Madelaine Stuart

Andy Spyra/laif

Die geraubten Mädchen: Boko Haram und der Terror im Herzen Afrikas

Which stories do we want to see?

Which stories are being told today — and which are not? Journalism is under economic pressure. Reduced revenues lead to cutbacks, and easily marketable topics and images are often preferred. There is little room for long-term projects or unusual perspectives.

Independent photojournalism can provide a counterbalance. It shows the world beyond institutional constraints. The laif Cooperative aims to create a framework in which photographers can carry out socially relevant and comprehensive documentary work.

Reasons to Join

“The founding of the laif Cooperative thrilled me from the very beginning.”

Rainer Osnowski
Co‑founder of lit.COLOGNE
Member of our Cooperative

Goals of the Cooperative

In 2022, we founded the cooperative and bought back the laif agency. This was followed in 2023 by the non-profit laif foundation. One of our most important goals is to strengthen the credibility and authenticity of images. To achieve this, we promote documentary photography and advocate for its greater presence in the public sphere.

About us

Junge Paare treffen sich während der COVID-19-Pandemie an der Grenze zwischen Konstanz und Kreuzlingen

Ingmar Björn Nolting/laif

About the days ahead I

Samuel Zuder/laif

Face To Faith – Mount Kailash – Tibet

Why Become a Member?

By joining, you are investing in the future of independent photography and helping to preserve diversity of opinion – ensuring that different perspectives continue to be represented in the media and in public discourse.
As a member, you will be part of a community of over 370 people from all walks of life who share these values and work together to shape them. Find out more about membership and decide for yourself whether you would like to join.

Join now

mehr Infos

Holocaust Überlebende Judith Neumark 91 Jahre im Kibbutz Geva