Ami Vitale’s career stands as a testament to her deep dedication to documenting and addressing global crises. As an acclaimed National Geographic photographer, writer, and documentary filmmaker, as well as the founder of Vital Impacts, Ami has consistently spotlighted critical issues affecting our world.
Her journey began in conflict zones, where she observed firsthand how environmental degradation—from resource scarcity to climate change—intensifies human suffering and conflict. This early exposure shaped her understanding of the profound connections between human and environmental crises.
Vitale's work focuses on the stories of individuals living on the front lines of war, climate change, and extinction, who refuse to let cataclysm define their futures. Through her compelling journalism, she highlights stories of resilience and innovation, emphasizing the delicate balance between humanity and wildlife and the urgent need for conservation. Vitale’s work connects viewers to critical local conservation issues of global importance, underscoring our interconnectedness with one another and the natural world.
In addition to her journalism and filmmaking, Vitale is the founder and Executive Director of Vital Impacts , a non-profit organization that leverages the power of art to inspire and mobilize youth as agents of change. Vitale and her non-profit have raised over $5 million to support vital conservation projects.
Ami is a Royal Photographic Society Honorary Fellow and is a recipient of the prestigious Lucie Humanitarian Award, the Missouri Honor Media for Distinguished Service, and an inductee into the North Carolina Media and Journalism Hall of Fame. She has also received the Daniel Pearl Award for Outstanding Reporting, been named Magazine Photographer of the Year at the International Photographer of the Year awards, and is a six-time recipient of World Press Photo awards. Instyle magazine featured her alongside Jane Goodall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg in its series "Fifty Badass Women," celebrating women who exemplify courage and action. Ami is currently serving as Conservation International's 2023/2024 Lui-Walton Innovators Fellow. A sought-after speaker, she continues to share her experiences and insights with audiences worldwide, and in 2025, she will be featured on the National Geographic Channel Explorer TV series. Based in Montana, she can be reached at ami@amivitale.com.
Wild Hope: Ami Vitale in East Lansing, Michigan
Join photographer, filmmaker, and writer Ami Vitale on January 14, 2025 as she takes us on a journey, sharing powerful stories that drive change and inspiring us all to push boundaries in our daily lives. Ami’s captivating stories are about people learning from wildlife and protecting endangered species like pandas, rhinos, and elephants. These uplifting [ … ]
Learn MoreVital Impacts Speaker Program: Wild Hope in East Lansing, Michigan
Join photographer, filmmaker, and writer Ami Vitale as she takes us on a journey, sharing powerful stories that drive change and inspire us all to push boundaries and have impact in our daily lives. Ami’s captivating stories are about people learning from wildlife and protecting endangered species like pandas, rhinos, and elephants. These uplifting narratives [ … ]
Learn MoreChangemaker Talks: Ami Vitale – Making an Impact in Lone Tree, Colorado
Join photographer, filmmaker, and writer Ami Vitale as she takes us on a journey, sharing captivating stories about people learning from wildlife and protecting endangered species like pandas, rhinos, and elephants. Ami will share uplifting narratives, where hope and collective action are shaping a brighter future for our planet. Ami will be speaking on Friday, [ … ]
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Award
Ami Named Royal Photographic Society Honorary Fellow
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 [ … ]
News
My Earth Essence Presets with Luminar Neo
I’m excited to announce my partnership with Luminar Neo. We have launched an exclusive Earth Essence Presets Collection that captures the essence of classic darkroom techniques. These presets are crafted to help you make subtle, yet powerful enhancements to your portrait, landscape, and wildlife photography. Guided by a strong commitment to ethical standards, my image [ … ]
Antarctica
Announcing the Winner of the Polar Latitudes With Ami Vitale Antarctica Trip!
The moment we’ve all been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived and choosing a winner was no easy feat, each of the 515 applicants was nothing short of awe-inspiring! I want to sincerely extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who participated. It was truly humbling to witness the immense talent and passion displayed by all [ … ]
Antarctica
Join me in Antarctica!
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia to learn the art of visual storytelling! Any number of ships can take you to Antarctica. And the incredible landscape, the wildlife, and Antarctica’s ethereal light – it will all be waiting for you regardless. But how you experience this wonderous place and how deeply it touches [ … ]
