It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Amos Struck on 24th August 2024, at the age of just 43. Amos was a beloved member of CEPIC and a driving force in the stock media industry. His passion, open-mindedness, and boundless enthusiasm left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Amos's relationship with CEPIC was long and fruitful. He collaborated with us on numerous occasions, leading conferences for the image industry in Dublin (2010) and Istanbul (2019). Most recently, at the CEPIC Congress in Juan les Pins, he moderated panels and organised highly successful pitch sessions in Juan-les-Pins (May 2024). His contributions were always marked by a deep commitment to advancing the industry, and his presence at our events will be sorely missed.
For those of you who never had the pleasure of meeting Amos, here is just a small part of his story, as shared by his close friend and business partner, Vita Valka:
Amos Struck was a founder of digital projects and a distinguished expert in the stock media industry and beyond, leading an international, multi-language network of projects related to content & media. A co-founder of multiple companies in Europe and a visionary Microstock Expo conference which facilitated major acquisitions by Adobe and Getty Images and seamlessly connected the industry.
Amos was a hard-working and reliable business leader who always goes full throttle, enjoying the work as well as the relaxation, spending part of the year from a campervan whilst steering four agencies, a content creation cooperative, an agile AI company and an outdoor-focused project with all the best European camping spots, essentially Amos was a digital nomad before it became the norm. He had a strong passion for AI, photography and advanced technology, and consistently sought out innovative developments, reinforcing his position as a true creator.
"He was a fearless leader, and our shared journey since 2009 through Stockphotos.com, Camperguru, and Ximilar was marked by mutual respect, mucho mucho fun, loads of (sometimes a little crazy) creativity and a deep personal connection. Amos was a true connector of people, and it has been an honor to work with him and the wonderful community he and his wife have built not only in Spain, but across the world. His positivity and commitment will always be remembered." - Vita Valka
Christina Vaughan, CEPIC's Ex-President, shared her heartfelt thoughts: "I cherished the relationship with him, his enterprise, his intellectual rigour, his belief in community and his commitment to bringing us all together and the deep love he has for our industry. I am still at a loss for words to express my deep sadness at such a loss to our industry as a friend and colleague but mainly as a good kind man."
Sylvie Fodor, Executive Director of CEPIC, expressed the collective grief felt by the community: "I am deeply shocked by his sudden passing. Amos' passion and enthusiasm will be greatly missed!!" She added:"He has collaborated with CEPIC since 2011. "Just this year in Juan les Pins he organised very successfully the pictch presentations. It was always so smooth, so pleasant to work with Amos."
Amos was a true pioneer in the stock media business, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and infectious positivity. He co-founded Stockphotos, where his drive and creativity were evident to all who worked with him. His co-founder, Vita Valka, once described him as "a giver, an innovator, and a soul constantly seeking new impulses." Amos's unique blend of hard work and zest for life made him an inspiring figure in his professional and personal life.
His colleagues and friends have shared their heartfelt memories and tributes:
"Amos was my BBF (best business friend) since I got to know him back in 2006. Since 2019 I have been working with him at Photocase. Amos was the most knowledgeable, funniest and fairest guy in the image industry. Xavier, Kai and I are missing him ever so much. Farewell Amos!" - Dittmar Frohmann
"Amos was a positive and entrepreneurial spirit, and I'm grateful I had the chance to meet him in person last May at the CEPIC Congress. His passing reinforces a promise I want to make to myself: to meet more of the people I 'know' online, to truly get to know them." - Vered Horesh, BRIA
"So very sorry to hear that Amos Struck has passed away. He had a good heart, a bright smile and was someone who knew and loved the media licensing business. When I saw him in May, he pulled out a modern-day Polaroid and snapped the shot below. R.I.P. my friend." - Leslie Hughes, iSPY
"Amos Struck is going to be sorely missed. He was a pioneer in the stock media business and someone I always looked up to. I am particularly proud of the evening we both came up with the idea for MEXPO (Microstock Expo), while attending the annual CEPIC conference (that year held in Istanbul). Amos and Lee Torrens took that idea and made it a smashing, successful reality in 2011 and 2013. Great memories. This industry will never be the same without Amos's drive, vision, and passion." - Mark Milstein, vAIsual
"The most generous man in the image industry, so full of life, of ideas, of passion for what he was doing. So warm-hearted. His vitality and knowledge and thirst for new possibilities were urgent. I am so sad it has exhausted itself and will indeed miss his laughter and good fellowship." - Andrea Stern
"His enthusiasm and passion were inspiring." - Anna Doyle, Wavebreak Media
"I'm deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Amos Struck. He was not only a pioneer in the stock media industry but also a person who inspired many, including myself, with his vision and passion. My condolences and prayers to his family." - Dmitry Shrionosov
Amos Struck was a man of immense talent and generosity. He had a profound impact on the stock media industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. His kindness, joyful spirit, and unwavering commitment to his work and community made him a cherished friend and colleague.
From all of us at CEPIC, we extend our deepest sympathies to Amos's wife, Ellen, and his colleagues. We will forever celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the countless ways he touched our lives.
Rest in peace, Amos. You will be deeply missed.