It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to Alfonso Gutierrez, a visionary leader who was President of CEPIC from 2013 to 2021.
Alfonso’s tenure saw the industry navigate through significant challenges, from the Google competition complaint to the intricate negotiations surrounding the EU copyright directive and the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
Alfonso’s imprint on CEPIC included eight impactful CEPIC Congresses held in iconic cities like Barcelona, Berlin, Paris, Zagreb, and Warsaw. The stock photography industry wasn’t just a profession for him; it was his life’s passion.
In his quest for photography, Alfonso founded agefotostock almost 50 years ago, transitioning from a career in the pharmaceutical industry to a photographer who captured moments and turned them into a thriving business. His approach was never about becoming the ‘number one’ but to relish the art of photography. Alfonso personally curated close to a million images annually, managing a company distributing over 119 million images from diverse collections and photographers worldwide.
Alfonso’s influence extended beyond business. His commitment to the satisfaction of his team and creating a conducive work environment was evident in every aspect of his journey. His leadership saw the planning and execution of CEPIC Congresses in various global destinations, emphasising the international nature of the industry.
One of Alfonso’s distinctive contributions was his commitment to bringing photographers to the forefront of conversations. While acknowledging CEPIC’s role in representing agencies, he passionately believed in prioritising professional photography. His efforts to integrate photographers into the fabric of CEPIC were notable, culminating in the establishment of the CEPIC Photography Awards, a testament to his dedication to nurturing talent within the industry.
Sylvie Fodor, Executive Director at CEPIC, who worked alongside Alfonso for eight years recalls how he loved this industry and how he always did the best for CEPIC, with all his means and personal commitment.
Alfonso Gutierrez leaves behind a legacy of resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to the world of stock photography. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate his lasting mark on CEPIC and the broader creative community.
You can read more about Alfonso’s life and the impact he had on the industry through the words of his friend John Balean, here.
