Now in its third year, Vital Impacts has awarded seven environmental photography fellowships totaling $50,000 and eleven year-long mentorships to visionary photographers illuminating the profound and often fragile connection between people and the planet.
As support for in-depth environmental storytelling declines and the urgency of these stories continues to grow, Vital Impacts champions the artists whose images spark empathy, inspire action, and remind us of our collective responsibility to protect the Earth we call home.
Nurturing the Next Generation – 2026 Mentees
Eleven photographers were selected for a year-long mentorship to strengthen their storytelling and professional connections. Through one-on-one sessions with leading photographers, editors, and conservationists, mentees will gain the skills and sensitivity to tell stories that honor both people and place.
Bade Fuwa, Nigeria
Selene Magnolia Gatti, Italy-Germany
Afzal Adeeb Khan, India
Isaac Nico, India
Uma Nielsen, Argentina
Ana Palacios, Spain
Viktoria Pezzei, Germany
Maria José Rojas, Colombia
Roun Ry, Cambodia
Jalal Shamsazaran, Iran
Michaela Vatcheva, Bulgaria
“Our aim is to support and nurture the next generation of environmental storytellers through fellowships and mentoring programs,” said founder Ami Vitale “We aspire to create opportunities for these emerging voices to explore complex environmental issues with originality and nuance at this critical moment.”
“Each of these artists moves between rigorous documentary photography and artistic exploration, always with a deep ethic of care,” said Alessia Glaviano, Head of Global PhotoVogue and Director of the Photo- Vogue Festival. “Their work expands what environmental photography can be, not only evidence, but responsibil- ity and hope.”
About Vital Impacts
Founded by National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale, the organization supports community- based conservation and uplifts the visual journalists who bring these stories to life.
Through global fellowships, mentorships, and youth education, Vital Impacts amplifies local voices and solution-based storytelling—transforming awareness into action and ensuring stories of resilience and coexistence reach audiences worldwide.
Vital Impacts is a women-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit harnessing the power of art and storytelling to inspire environmental stewardship and action.
https://vitalimpacts.org/pages/2025-26-grant-and-mentorship
Instagram: @vital.impacts
