Category: News

İstanbul Photo Awards 2026 jury begins selection process

Posted on by Sophie

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

Posted on by Sophie

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

Posted on by Sophie

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?

Posted on by Sophie

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

Posted on by Sophie

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

Posted on by Sophie

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.’

Posted on by Sophie

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.

NPPA recognizes Ami with highest honor, Founder’s Award

Posted on by Ami Vitale

With profound gratitude and humility, I am honored to announce that the NPPA has recognized my work in visual storytelling with the esteemed Founder’s Award, alongside the remarkable Deborah Willis. The NPPA explains, “The Founder’s Award celebrates and recognizes the careers, achievements, and contributions of the most deserving individuals in our field. Recipients are visual journalists, including editors and team leaders, who rise to the top of the profession through their conduct, initiative, leadership, skill, and devotion to duty.”

I firmly believe in the power of a single evocative image to shape our understanding and impact social and environmental awareness. It is a privilege to be recognized, alongside so many other talented journalists, including my dear friends Jackie Bell, Elizabeth Krist, Photoville co-founders Laura Roumanos, Dave Shelley, and Sam Barzilay, The Associated Press, and Evan Vucci, among many others. I am deeply moved by this distinguished recognition from such an esteemed organization, especially during a time when photojournalism plays a critical role in cutting through the noise of misinformation.

A heartfelt thank you to Cary Wagner. To view a complete list of all the other deserving recipients, please visit the NPPA’s website.

Black Rhino Revival

Posted on by Ami Vitale

I am honored to have been able to collaborate with The Nature Conservancy to document the incredible efforts and critical steps Kenya has had in achieving stable habitats for the survival of the species.

Black rhinos once thrived across Kenya, but rampant poaching in the 1970s and ’80s drove them to near extinction. However, government interventions over the past 30 years have reversed this trend. In January 2024, 21 critically endangered black rhinos were translocated to Loisaba Conservancy in northern Kenya due to overcrowding at Kenya’s 16 black rhino sanctuaries—a remarkable turnaround from the days when the population plummeted from 20,000 to fewer than 300. Now, Kenya is halfway to its goal of reaching 2,000 individuals, the minimum required for long-term species survival.

The complex translocation process demanded meticulous planning and collaboration. Moving such massive animals as rhinos is both dangerous and challenging, given the stress, trauma, and potential injuries faced during transportation. Furthermore, handlers must manage these powerful creatures safely, even under sedation. The logistical complexities called for precise coordination and the expertise of veterinarians and wildlife specialists. Despite challenges, the teams worked together over three weeks to successfully relocate all the rhinos.

In this image, the Kenya Wildlife Service team quickly springs into action to save a rhino’s life after it stopped breathing at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, January 20, 2024. (KWS) successfully translocated 21 eastern black rhinos to Loisaba conservancy, which hasn’t seen rhinos for 50 years due to poaching. The operation not only underscores Kenya’s conservation triumph but also signifies a critical step in achieving stable habitats for the survival of the species.

Ami Named Royal Photographic Society Honorary Fellow

Posted on by Eileen Mignoni

I am honored to share that I have been named an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, alongside such photographic luminaries as James Balog, James Friend, Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, Michelle Sank, Marilyn Nance, Yasmine Crawford, and William Kentridge. 

This prestigious recognition is part of an initiative that celebrates the unique power of photography to challenge societal perceptions and bring complex, urgent issues into sharper focus. I grateful for this platform that will provide me more opportunities to further use photography spark change, both individually and through my non-profit Vital Impacts.