Ami Vitale’s photography illuminates the extraordinary resilience of wildlife and the people who dedicate their lives to protecting it. From the rare intimacy of giant pandas in China to orphaned elephants being nurtured and rehabilitated by local communities in Africa, Ami shows the profound bonds between humans and animals. She has documented the race to save the northern white rhino from extinction, capturing both the urgency and the perseverance of conservationists confronting unimaginable loss. Her work also chronicles innovative efforts to protect giraffes stranded on a sinking island, highlighting the creative solutions and determination driving global wildlife conservation. Beyond crisis, Ami finds hope: resilient species, thriving habitats, and communities redefining what is possible. Through her stories, she invites audiences to witness not only the fragility of the natural world but also its capacity to endure when humans act with care, courage, and imagination.
Artist Bios
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Ami Vitale
Ami Vitale is a National Geographic Explorer at Large, photographer, writer, documentary filmmaker, and founder of the nonprofit Vital Impacts. Her work illuminates the deep interdependence between people, wildlife, and the natural world, using storytelling to inspire empathy and action.
Over nearly three decades in more than 100 countries, Ami has documented the far-reaching consequences of environmental change. Beginning her career in conflict zones, she witnessed how resource scarcity, displacement, and climate instability shape human lives—experiences that forged her belief that social and environmental challenges cannot be separated.
Today, her work focuses on solutions: stories of resilience, collaboration, and renewal. Through both her own projects and her leadership at Vital Impacts, she is dedicated to supporting emerging voices and advancing a more hopeful, collective future for the planet.
Organizations
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MPB
MPB is changing the camera gear game by offering the best prices and the most convenient way to buy, sell and trade over 20,000 used cameras and lenses. As the largest global platform for used photo and video gear, MPB is the perfect place for everyone from new photographers to seasoned pros.
Need to level up your setup? MPB Approved gear costs up to 40% less than new gear, and every item is individually inspected and photographed so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Want to trade or get paid? MPB will give you the most competitive price for your gear and recirculate it for another visual storyteller. Don’t wait to get a free instant quote to earn cash or trade toward your dream setup.
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Vital Impacts
Vital Impacts was founded on a simple belief: stories can change how we see the world—and how we care for it. At a time when wildlife and ecosystems face unprecedented pressure, we work to illuminate not only what is being lost, but what is being protected and restored. By sharing powerful, solutions-driven stories, we help people reconnect with the natural world and recognize that a more hopeful future is still possible. Our work centers on supporting the storytellers and communities closest to the challenges and solutions. Through mentorship programs, grants, and workshops, we equip emerging and established visual journalists with the skills, resources, and ethical grounding to document environmental issues with depth, sensitivity, and impact. We also collaborate directly with conservation partners and local communities to amplify stories that might otherwise go unheard—highlighting the creativity, resilience, and leadership of people working to protect their landscapes and wildlife. Beyond storytelling, Vital Impacts invests in education and public engagement. Our exhibitions, talks, and student programs invite audiences—especially young people—to see themselves as participants in shaping the future of the planet. By bridging storytelling, conservation, and community, Vital Impacts builds connections across cultures and generations. Our goal is not only to raise awareness, but to inspire understanding, empathy, and collective action for a living planet.
Wild Hope: Rethinking Our Relationship with Nature
Featuring: Ami Vitale
Supported by:
Locations
View Location Details Download a detailed map of this location Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
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The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
