Author: Sophie

5 Photographs That Shine in National Geographic’s New Museum

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I’m honored to be featured among the photographers in the National Geographic Museum of Exploration’s inaugural exhibition.

My photograph of Sudan, the last male northern white rhinoceros, taken shortly before his death in 2018, is one of the exhibition’s featured works. For me, the image represents both profound loss and the urgency of global conservation efforts, reflecting my commitment to telling stories at the intersection of wildlife, people, and hope.

A special thank you to The New York Times and National Geographic for highlighting my work and helping bring greater visibility to the power of conservation storytelling.

National Geographic Museum of Exploration, June 16-18

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I’m honored to be part of an upcoming event at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C., a new space dedicated to curiosity, discovery, and the power of storytelling to connect us more deeply to the natural world.

This opening moment for the museum feels especially meaningful, not just as a celebration of photography and exploration, but as an invitation to reflect on how we see, listen, and bear witness. It’s a space designed to bring together voices across conservation, science, journalism, and visual storytelling, and to spark conversations about our shared responsibility to the planet.

I’m looking forward to sharing stories from the field and engaging with a community that cares deeply about the intersection of people, wildlife, and place. For me, photography has always been about relationship—about slowing down, building trust, and allowing stories to emerge with honesty and respect. Events like this remind me how powerful it is when those stories are experienced collectively, in dialogue with others who are also trying to make sense of the world through their work.

What stands out most is the intention behind spaces like this: to not only showcase images and expeditions, but to inspire questions, connection, and action. Being in conversation with other storytellers and explorers is a reminder that this work is never done in isolation—it’s shaped by community, exchange, and shared purpose.

I’m looking forward to the conversations that will unfold around what it means to explore responsibly, to document with care, and to keep our attention focused on the living world that connects us all.

Global Fashion Summit

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I’m grateful to have recently participated in the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, an incredible gathering centered on sustainability, systems change, and the future of the fashion industry.

It was a meaningful few days of conversations, new ideas, and connection with people working across design, policy, innovation, supply chains, and environmental impact. From stage discussions to informal exchanges in the halls, I left feeling both inspired and energized by the collective commitment to rethinking how this industry can operate more responsibly at every level.

What stood out most was the depth of collaboration across disciplines — hearing from leaders, practitioners, and creatives all working toward shared goals, yet bringing such different perspectives and expertise to the table. It was a reminder that meaningful change often happens in these overlapping spaces, where ideas are exchanged, challenged, and refined.

I’m especially thankful for spaces like this that bring together diverse voices to push forward practical solutions, honest reflection, and shared learning. There is something powerful about stepping outside of your own field and being immersed in conversations that expand how you see your work and its broader impact.

I’m continuing to reflect on the conversations and ideas that emerged in Copenhagen, and how they connect to broader work around sustainability, storytelling, and the role of creative practice in shaping more responsible futures.

İstanbul Photo Awards 2026 jury begins selection process

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I’m honored to share that I’ve been included in the jury for the 2026 İstanbul Photo Awards, an international photography competition that brings together powerful visual storytelling from around the world.

This year’s selection process highlights the incredible scale and diversity of the submissions, with thousands of images submitted across categories spanning news, nature, sports, portraiture, and daily life. It’s a privilege to be part of a jury alongside such an inspiring group of photographers whose work I have long admired, and to take part in the thoughtful, collaborative process of selecting images that reflect some of the most important stories of our time.

What continues to stand out to me is how photography remains such a vital language for understanding the world — it has the ability to document truth, preserve memory, and connect us across cultures and experiences. Being part of this process is a reminder of the responsibility and care that goes into honoring those stories.

I’m grateful to contribute in this capacity and to continue learning from the global community of photographers who are using their work to inform, challenge, and inspire.

Revitalizing Japan’s coastal ecosystems through satoumi, science & school

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I’m honored to have my photographs featured in this National Geographic story exploring efforts to revitalize Japan’s coastal ecosystems through community-led conservation and restoration.

The article highlights the growing movement to restore marine environments that have long supported both biodiversity and coastal communities. From restoring seaweed forests and marine habitats to reconnecting people with traditional ecological knowledge, the story reflects the importance of caring for oceans in ways that support both nature and culture.

What I find especially meaningful is how these efforts bring together science, education, and local stewardship — reminding us that healthy ecosystems are deeply connected to the communities that depend on them and protect them.

Nurturing Japan’s next generation of coastal protectors

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I’m honored to have my photographs featured in this National Geographic story highlighting the next generation of coastal stewards working to protect Japan’s marine ecosystems and cultural connections to the sea.

The piece explores how young people across coastal communities in Japan are learning through hands-on conservation, environmental education, and traditional knowledge to better understand and care for their oceans. From restoring coastal habitats to reconnecting with long-standing relationships between people and the sea, the story reflects the importance of empowering younger generations to become active protectors of the environments they call home.

What I find especially inspiring is the way this work brings together culture, community, and conservation — showing that protecting our oceans is not only about science, but also about preserving stories, traditions, and a sense of belonging.

Could an ancient Hawaiian marine technology help depleted ocean ecosystems recover?

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I’m honored to have my photographs featured in this National Geographic story exploring how ancient Hawaiian marine technology is helping restore ocean ecosystems and strengthen community connections to the sea.

The article highlights the revitalization of traditional Hawaiian fishponds — Indigenous systems of aquaculture that have sustainably supported communities for generations while helping maintain healthy coastal ecosystems. Rooted in deep cultural knowledge and stewardship, these fishponds are not only restoring habitats and improving food systems, but also reconnecting younger generations to Hawaiian traditions, identity, and relationships with the natural world.

It’s incredibly inspiring to see ancestral knowledge and community-led conservation working together to shape more sustainable futures for our oceans. Stories like this remind me that conservation is deeply tied to culture, education, and the people who continue to protect and care for these places every day.

Passing the torch in protecting Hawaiʻi’s shores

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I’m honored to have my photographs featured in this beautiful National Geographic story highlighting the next generation of ocean stewards protecting Hawai‘i’s shores.

The piece explores the connection between culture, conservation, and community through stories of young Hawaiians caring for reefs, fishponds, and coastal ecosystems rooted in the Indigenous value of mālama ʻāina — caring for the land and sea.

I’m grateful to contribute imagery that helps amplify stories of ocean stewardship, environmental education, and hope for the future of our planet.

Make It Better’s 2026 Eco Warriors

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I’m incredibly honored to be featured in Better Magazine’s “2026 Eco Warriors,” recognizing individuals using storytelling, advocacy, science, and creativity to help protect our planet.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it’s shared alongside so many inspiring conservationists, photographers, educators, and environmental leaders whose work I deeply admire.

I’ve always believed storytelling has the power to build empathy, create connection, and inspire action. I’m grateful to continue using film and photography to share stories about conservation, community, and our relationship with the natural world.

Thank you to Better Magazine and to everyone who continues to support environmental storytelling and creative work rooted in hope and impact.

Ami Vitale named ‘Women photographers working in wildlife and conservation you should follow.’

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I’m honored to be featured in a recent article by Amateur Photographer highlighting women photographers working in wildlife and conservation. The feature celebrates photographers whose work is helping shape conversations around nature, conservation, and our relationship with the planet.

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is being included alongside so many extraordinary women photographers I know, admire, and deeply respect. Many of these photographers have also generously contributed their imagery to Vital Impacts print sale initiatives, helping raise critical support for conservation, storytelling, and emerging photographers around the world.

I have always believed that photography has the power to build empathy, create connection, and inspire action. It is incredibly moving to see so many women using visual storytelling to challenge perspectives, celebrate the beauty of our world, and advocate for wildlife, communities, and the future of our planet.

The article highlights a diverse group of photographers working across wildlife, environmental storytelling, conservation photojournalism, and advocacy. Each of them brings a unique perspective and voice to this work, and I encourage you to explore the full article and spend time with their incredible imagery.

I’m deeply grateful to be part of this community and thankful to everyone who continues to support storytelling as a force for hope, connection, and meaningful change.