we are
THE PICTORIAL LIST
mission:
Our mission is to support, elevate, and celebrate diverse voices through the visual arts, with a particular focus on photography as a powerful medium for storytelling. We aim to foster inclusive environments that inspire, educate, and connect visual storytellers from all backgrounds — regardless of gender, culture, race, life status, neurodiversity, or mobility — on local, national, and international platforms. By nurturing creativity in a supportive environment, we ensure that all voices are heard and visual narratives have the space to flourish.
The Pictorial List is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit arts organization founded by Karen Ghostlaw Pomarico and Melanie Meggs in 2024, following the publication of their first hardcover book, The Pictorial List – Volume One – New York. United by a shared belief in the power of photography to elevate diverse voices and foster meaningful connection, Karen and Melanie co-founded the organization to expand the reach and impact of their curatorial work and to provide a platform for photographers.
The Pictorial List began in 2020 as a passion project initiated by Melanie Meggs — a digital platform built to inspire and support a global community of photographers. Over time, it grew into a collaborative space for creative exchange, shaped by a dedicated team. Each member plays a vital role in helping the organization evolve while staying grounded in its founding values.
… the goal of art was the vital expression of self. - Alfred Stieglitz
WHY PICTORIAL?
The Pictorial List was chosen as both a name and a philosophy — a nod to the Pictorialists of the early 20th century who dared to ask, “Can photography be art?” They believed in photography not just as a tool for documentation, but as a means of expression — equal to painting, sculpture, or poetry. Their photographs challenged conventions and opened new pathways for visual storytelling.
At The Pictorial List, we carry that spirit forward. Like the Pictorialists, we believe in elevating the photographic voice, and we aim to spotlight those who use the camera as a brush, a mirror, a witness, or a whisper.
Through our nonprofit work, we aim to advance the art and science of photography and multimedia by empowering artists — especially those from underserved, marginalized, and diverse communities — to harness visual storytelling as a means of advocacy, reflection, and creative transformation.
THE PICTORIAL MAGAZINE
Our digital magazine offers in-depth pictorial stories and interviews with photographers around the world. These features move beyond aesthetics, revealing the social, emotional, and personal layers behind each body of work. Whether focused on human stories, cultural shifts, or overlooked places, the photographers we feature share their worlds with generosity, honesty, and heart.
At The Pictorial List, we believe in the quiet power of photography to reframe the world — and we are committed to ensuring that all voices have the opportunity to be seen, shared, and celebrated.
