![]() The easiest way to make compelling, real photographs of people is by being authentic. It requires tremendous persistence and patience, but I would rather spend more time in one place than try to see it all. The magic really begins when you stay in a place and give yourself enough time to gain insight and understanding. You need to build a relationship with the people and places you are photographing and that takes patience. Understanding people and places takes time. Make a point of befriending other photographers and sources, nothing is as valuable as another photographer who has been there. Establish relationships before you even get on the plane. Local stories that may not reach the large international papers give me clues about what’s really happening in a place. Read everything you can about the place you’ll be visiting, especially local newspapers and social media. What advice do you have for someone who is interested in pursuing travel photography? 1. Mary Lengees cares for orphaned elephant Shaba at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the first indigenous-owned and run elephant sanctuary in northern Kenya. I hope that in your travels, you use your camera not just as an extension of your eye but also as an extension of your heart. ![]() There is a beautiful, universal truth everywhere and if you peek under the veil, you’ll find a wondrous commonality between us. What role do you think photography plays in breaking down cultural barriers to facilitate communication and connection in our world? NeKamara is nuzzled by black rhino Kilifi, who he hand-raised, along with two other baby rhinos at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. It takes time to understand one another but when we truly understand each other’s stories, we are transformed and no matter where you go, the joy of human emotions remains the same. It often takes years to get beyond routine ways of thinking. I think the key to impactful storytelling is time. Each story has shaped who I am and how I see the world. What’s the most memorable project that you’ve worked on?Įvery project I have worked on is meaningful in some way and I would find it difficult separating one project above all the others. You’ve captured beautiful, moving images of people and cultures in your travels to over 100 countries, photographed the last remaining white rhinos, and have even dressed in a panda suit to capture authentic photos of these beautiful creatures. It has this instant ability to connect people and it becomes a tool for creating awareness and understanding a tool to make sense of our commonalities and differences in this world we share. Photography is powerful and it can amplify others’ voices. ![]() Later, the most extraordinary and unexpected thing happened, I realized I wasn’t just empowering myself. It allowed me to dive into situations I never would have had the courage to do. By taking the attention away from myself and putting it on others, I became invisible and empowered. The second I held it in my hands I felt like I had hidden superpowers. I was painfully shy and introverted as a young woman, but when I picked up a camera it gave me courage! Having that little black box in my hands, gave me a reason to interact with people and quickly became my passport for engaging with the world around me. Hi Ami! Tell us a little about yourself - when did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today? Ami Vitale photographs in the mangroves of eastern Kenya. We spoke with Ami to learn about her philosophy on photography and her top tips for capturing moments when traveling. Throughout the years, Ami has lived in mud huts and war zones, contracted malaria, and donned a panda suit - keeping true to her belief in the importance of “living the story.” In 2009, after shooting a powerful story on the transport and release of one the world’s last northern white rhinos, Ami shifted her focus to today’s most compelling wildlife and environmental stories.Īs a filmmaker, Ami recently created Shaba, a short film about Reteti, the first indigenous owned and run sanctuary for orphaned elephants to rehabilitate them back to the wild. Nikon Ambassador and National Geographic Magazine photographer, writer and filmmaker Ami Vitale has traveled to more than 100 countries, bearing witness not only to violence and conflict, but also to surreal beauty and the enduring power of the human spirit.
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