John Kaplan is one of America's most accomplished photographers. In 1992, his project about the diverse lifestyles of American 21-year-olds was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography. His work is exhibited at museums and galleries worldwide including recent solo exhibitions in the United States, Bolivia and Korea as well as group shows in the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Japan, Korea, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
In 2003, Kaplan's project on survivors of torture in West Africa was awarded the Overseas Press Club Award for Feature Photography and the Harry Chapin Media Award for Photojournalism. The project was also recognized by the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation, National Headliner Awards, Best of Photojournalism Competition, Pictures of the Year International, Society of News Design and Photo District News Best of Photography Contest.
In 1989, Mr. Kaplan was named Photographer of the Year in the annual Pictures of the Year (POY) contest. That same year, he received the Robert F. Kennedy Award for outstanding coverage of the disadvantaged in the United States. His international work in West Africa was again recognized by the RFK foundation in 2003.
A professor at the University of Florida, Kaplan teaches photography, design and international journalism. He has twice been named a photography juror for the Pulitzer Prizes. Kaplan is a frequent lecturer at photo workshops and seminars throughout the world and has also received recognition for his poetry and writing.
In 2003, Kaplan’s second book, Photo Portfolio Success, was published by Writers Digest Books.