Ami Vitale

2022 Honoree / Humanitarian Award

Nikon Ambassador and National Geographic magazine photographer, documentary filmmaker and writer, Ami Vitale has lived in mud huts and war zones, contracted malaria, and donned a panda suit—all in keeping with her philosophy of “living the story.” She has traveled to more than 100 countries, bearing witness not only to violence and conflict, but also to surreal beauty and to the enduring power of the human spirit. After more than a decade covering conflict,  Vitale couldn’t help but notice that the less sensational—but equally true—stories were often not getting told: the wedding happening around the corner from the revolution, triumphs amidst seemingly endless devastation. As a result, she committed herself to seeking out the stories within and around “the story.” Her belief that stories of the human condition are intricately connected to the natural world led her to chronicle her journey from documenting warzones to turning her lens to compelling wildlife stories, such as returning critically endangered, captive-born species like the giant pandas back to the wild, and efforts to save the last two living northern white rhinos from extinction.  

Her work is exhibited worldwide in museums, galleries, and private collections. She is a six-time recipient of World Press Photos and published a best-selling book, Panda Love, on the secret lives of pandas.    Instyle Magazine named Ami one of fifty Badass Women, a series celebrating women who show up, speak up and get things done. She appeared alongside a group of incredible women including Jane Goodall, Christiane Amanpour and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 

She is the founder and Executive Director of Vital Impacts whose mission is to support grassroots organizations who are protecting people, wildlife and habitats. She is also a founding member of Ripple Effect Images, a collective of scientists, writers, photographers and filmmakers who document challenges facing women and girls impacted by climate change. She is a member of the Photographers Advisory Board for National Geographic Magazine and a member of the Executive Advisory Committee of the Alexia Foundation’s Photojournalism Advisory Board. 

Website: www.amivitale.com

Photo by Bryan Liscinsky