Arizona Speaker Series: Platon at Arizona Financial Theatre

Arizona Speaker Series: Platon

This year, the Arizona Speaker Series returns for a 2025-2026 season. Known to bring the best leaders, thinkers, and innovators in a comprehensive lecture series, audiences are in for a curated set to inspiring speakers who'll share professional knowledge, experience, and insights for intellectual enrichment. Consisting of world leaders, scientists, journalists, humanitarians, and many more, this speaker series leaves audiences with greater awareness and newfound understanding of diverse ideas & knowledge. 

On February 10, 2026, British photographer Platon will be heading up the stage to share powerful insights on storytelling through the lens. The man has become a widely-respected figure for his portraits of celebrities, world leaders, and everyday people. Gain firsthand advice, tips, and insights from one of the world's best photographers & photojournalists. 

About Platon

Platon is one of the world's most respected photographers for his notable works and extensive contribution to global publications. His work has been featured on Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Esquire, GQ, Newsweek, Time Magazine, and many more. 

Born in London back in 1968, this British photographer has been famed for his great protraits of political figures, celebrities, and powerful shots of everyday people. With a BA in graphic design and an MA in photography and fine arts, the New York-based photographer has made great impact for his work that provoked dialogue - a mirror to society. 

Platon has photographed notable political figures including Barack Obama, Hugo Chavez, Tony Blair, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Donald Trump. His powerful portraits have sparked discussion and shared deep stories. Moreover, he also has iconic photographs of cultural icons including Prince, Muhammad Ali, Stephen Hawking, and many more.

"Platon’s ability to photograph without judgment is evident in the images he makes," wrote Dan Ginn of ThePhoblographer. Sharing how leaders are usually depicted as larger-than-life figures, Platon humanizes these people in his work. 

"The portraits he creates takes them off the pedestal society places them on. They remind us that at their core, they’re just like you and me: they’re human."

More than famous people, Platon's portfolio includes civil and human rights. Having been to many corners of the world, the man has witnessed various environments and stories that human beings face. From sexual violence, immigration issues, to human rights around the globe, his photographs connects the pain felt by real humans. Sharing how it's a difficult task and how he'd come back from such trips emotionally broken, it's all about telling stories that matter. 

Sharing powerful insights at the Arizona Speaker Series, better start marking your calendars 'cause this session's gonna be a great one. Platon at the Arizona Financial Theatre on February 10. Book your tickets now!