We are thrilled to introduce you to the 2021 Girls Who Click Ambassadors. Selected from over 150 applicants, these 24 talented female-identified nature photographers and videographers have skill and grit that humbled our selection committee. They range from age 16-30, come from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and they hail from all over the globe. These Ambassadors are motivated to break into the professional industry while advocating for conservation efforts worldwide. We cannot wait to see what they accomplish during their year as Ambassadors!
Cherrisse Adlawan, PHL Emma Balunek, USA Tamara Blazquez Haik , MEX Celina Chien, CAN/NDL Jo Davenport, GBR Alena Ebeling-Schuld, CAN Stephanie Foote, GBR Elie Gordon, GBR Sadie Hine, USA Beth Hotchkiss, USA Chelsea Mayer, USA Irene Mendez Cruz, FRA/VEN/GBR Lea Milde, DEU Angelica Mills, ZAF Lianna Nixon, USA Daphne P, USA Alejandra Potter, ESP/USA Evelyn Smalley, GBR Aishwarya Sridhar, IND Samantha Stephens, CAN Alice Sun, CAN Alex Traugot, USA Kate Vylet, USA Katie Waddington, FRA/GBR
We cannot wait to see what these talented young photographers accomplish in their year as Ambassadors!
Each Ambassador has been paired with an established professional photographer who will help her take the next step in her career. These exceptional Girls Who Click partner photographers are the backbone of the Ambassador Program and we salute them for their dedication and service to the next generation of female-identified photographers.
GWC partner photographer Katie Schuler and her mentee, Ambassador Stephanie Foote, have already gotten started!
2021 Ambassador Mentors
Karine Aigner Diana Caballero Alvarado Inka Cresswell Suzi Eszterhas Melissa Farlow Cathy Hart Morgan Heim Jaymi Heimbuch Esther Horvath Karen Kasmauski Janet Kleyn Jennifer Leigh Warner Stephanie Manuel Amy Marquis Mary Ann McDonald Susan McElhinney Joanna Pinneo Erin Ranney Lynda Richardson Katie Schuler Brenda Tharp Ami Vitale Michele Westmorland
Thank you for being a member of the Girls Who Click community. If you love what we do, please consider donating!
It seems like everyone has been getting into bird-watching and bird photography lately.
“Wow! I recently decided to become a bird nerd, and I am so happy I did!” says a comment on an Audubon article.
“I think I’ve caught the birding bug?” says a Facebook post with a slew with bird photos.
So what’s the deal with birds? Why do humans find so much joy in watching and photographing these little dinosaurs? To find the answer, we have to travel back to the beginning.
How did it all begin?
Back in the Victorian era, birding used to be about hunting and obtaining skins, feathers, and eggs, identifying and photographing the bird after it’s been shot. It was mostly a hobby reserved for wealthy collectors, a way for them to gather and document as many species as possible and understand more about taxonomy and natural history.
But things started changing in the late 19th century to early 20th century.
First, the advancement of optics and field guides made watching live birds more popular and accessible. The earliest field guide in the US was “Birds through an Opera Glass”, published in 1889 by Florence Bailey. But the boom in birding was largely credited to the development of binoculars in World War II, as well as Roger Tory Peterson’s field guide in 1934, which used colored plates and grouped similar species together.
Second, faster photography emulsions and quicker shutters developed in the late 1800s, allowing bird photographers to work in the field. In fact, bird photography was the first form of wildlife photography, where the oldest surviving photograph of a wild animal is of a white stork on its nest in Strasbourg in 1870, photographed by Charles A Hewins.
Birding in the early 1800’s was mostly about collecting and cataloguing as many skins, feathers, and eggs of exotic birds as possible. Illustration by Henry Seebohm Illustration from Eggs of British Birds 1896
Third, organizations like Audubon (US) and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (UK) started rallying for the protection of birds in the late 19th century, pushing people to observe and photograph live birds. This was a big turning point for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts, as it introduced the element of science-based conservation.
As a result of these three changes, birding was no longer just a numbers game, no longer an elite group of wealthy people comparing how many birds they have in their collection. It now included millions of people who are passionate about natural history, photography, and conservation, united into a national network.
And the birding community keeps growing and diversifying, even to today. The development of superzoom cameras and smaller binoculars resulted in the rise of the casual backyard birder and the bird-loving family. The birth of platforms like eBird and iNaturalist created the passionate citizen scientist. The proliferation of social media has generated a hub for young teenage birders. Even more recently, black birders have been rising up, leading initiatives like #BlackBirdersWeek in response to recent events with Christian Cooper in Central Park and the #BlackLivesMatter movement (although there are still many barriers that minorities face in birding and photography, but that’s another blog).
American Oystercatcher and chick. Photo by Denise Ippolito
Present day
One reason, especially today, that resonates with a lot of people is the ever-growing conversation of birding’s mental and physical health benefits. And this has led to the most recent explosion of new birders and photographers during this pandemic.
For example, there’s a concept in the birding world called a “bird sit”, which is like an outdoor meditation but with a focus on birds. This Audubon article details how to do a bird sit, but essentially, it requires you to sit, breath, immerse yourself into the birds you hear and see around you, and ask questions about why birds are doing what they do.
Doing something like a bird sit can help those starting out with photography.Melissa Groo, renowned wildlife photographer and contributor to Audubon Magazine, comments: “I will spend time in sit spots because, as a wildlife photographer, it’s a wonderful way to figure out whether a location is a good spot for me to return to with my camera. For instance, are there particular species of birds there that I’m interested in, that seem to be on territory? How does the light fall on the scene as the position of the sun changes? It’s fun to visit your sit spot during different seasons so you can track the changes in the habits, species composition, and appearance of the wild animals there, as well as the changes in the vegetation.”
Denise Ippolito, award-winning bird photographer and GWC partner, also speaks to the importance of understanding behaviour when photographing birds. “You don’t want to intimidate or frighten the birds. You will need to approach slowly and quietly. Every bird, animal and even human will have their own buffer zone—a space around them that is their own safe space that no other can invade.”
Snowy Egret. Photo by Melissa Groo
However, a bird sit also goes beyond that, “Spending time in a thoughtfully-chosen sit spot is a great strategy for anyone who wants to really become enmeshed in a natural scene. It’s terrific for bird lovers, wildlife watchers, photographers. And, really, for anyone seeking the serenity and purity of nature.” says Melissa.
Birding is for anyone seeking serenity and purity of nature.
That is the key message. Birds reconnect us back to nature, reconnects us to the living breathing lives that surround us, reconnects us to the world beyond our cluttered brains. That is, deep down, why birding has been such a popular and long-standing activity. And why it’s something that everyone and anyone can be a part of.
Great Horned Owl mother and chick. Photo by Melissa Groo
Want to start birding?
If you want to jump on the birding bandwagon, here are a couple ways to do so.
Second, practice your birding, photography, and mindfulness. Practice everyday. Get to know the birds, camera, and your surroundings.
And finally, do a bird sit. Learn about bird behaviour, and most importantly, build empathy for the subjects around you, and welcome them as friends.
So try it out! And who knows, maybe you’ll turn into a birder.
Southern Rockhopper Penguin. Photo by Denise Ippolito.
Written by Alice Sun
Growing up, Alice’s dream was to become a National Geographic photographer. This passion led her to spend much of her high school years photographing and sharing stories of wildlife in her own backyard, which earned her a spot in the 2016 NANPA High School Scholarship Program. She then went on to pursue a degree in environmental biology and a graduate certificate in environmental visual communication, sharpening her skills and building a foundation for a career in visual storytelling. Today, she is a freelance science communicator and conservation storyteller based in Vancouver, Canada. Inspiring young people to pursue the same dream she had is something that Alice is passionate about, and why she’s extremely be on the Girls Who Click team! Visit Alice’s website (alicesun.ca) to see the stories she has told over the years.
As a storyteller and conservation wildlife photojournalist, I am driven to capture compelling stories with my camera. Whether documenting the wonders of nature, showcasing scientific discoveries, or highlighting the efforts of NGOs on the front lines of protecting our wild spaces, my work serves as a powerful tool to raise awareness and inspire action on conservation issues.
My career has taken me across the globe to communicate important conservation stories. Learning how to tell a good story can enhance many aspects of your career beyond photography. It has enabled me to become a better writer, artist, and communicator, and it can even help establish relationships with brands. Story is at the heart of everything; once you learn how to find it, doors will open for you.
Telling stories through art has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years. These stories connect us, and art preserves them in history forever. In today’s rapidly changing world, there has never been a more perfect moment to be a conservation photographer. Climate and environmental stories are in abundance, often right in our backyards. As an aspiring visual storyteller, starting locally offers numerous advantages. It allows you to connect with your community, immerse yourself in the story and its characters without time constraints, and refine your photography skills until you capture the perfect shots.
A well-crafted conservation photo story can evoke emotions, educate the public, and inspire change. The key to telling a compelling visual story is to lead with your heart; it is this heartfelt approach that brings the magic. Here’s a step-by-step guide from my experience to creating a compelling conservation photo story.
Photo taken by Liam Webb on Skomer Island, Wales UK A photo of me out in the field, disguised in Puffin Stealth mode. To capture a good underwater shot of a puffin, you need to blend in and remain perfectly still.
1. Find Your Passion
Before picking up the camera, you need to find your “why” – the driving force that keeps you awake at night and excites you. Every conservation photographer should start by asking themselves: Why am I passionate about conservation? What stories excite me? What change do I want to bring to the world through my work? If you aren’t passionate about the story or subject matter you’re communicating, it will be challenging to inspire passion and excitement in others.
It’s this passion that creates magic in every photo. Understanding your motivations will guide your work and give it purpose. Whether your goal is to raise awareness about endangered species, protect a local natural area, or inspire others to take action, having a strong sense of purpose will help you create meaningful and impactful stories.
Photo taken by Liam Webb in Bimini, Bahamas. A photo of me in the field, pursuing my passion and my 'why'. Capturing the beauty of our planet's misunderstood creatures and highlighting the issues they face is what drives my work.
2. Do Your Research
So you have found your “why” and your passion. Now, let’s find some stories. Whether you are at the beginning of your photojournalism journey or more experienced, focusing on local stories that are easily accessible and require minimal funding is the perfect place to start.
Selecting a local conservation issue that is relevant, current, and resonates deeply with you is how impactful images are born. Topics may include endangered species, habitat destruction, climate change, or successful conservation efforts. Stay up-to-date with the news, use Google Alerts for topics of interest, and engage with local journalists, conservationists, organizations, and community members to gain a deeper understanding of the issue. This approach allows you to contribute to your community while honing your skills. By sticking with local stories, you can gradually build trust within the community, which is essential for capturing the most compelling images.
One crucial lesson I’ve learned is that if the subject doesn’t want you to do a story on them or the topic, then there isn’t a story there for you. It’s important to recognize when to stop pursuing a story and move on to the next.
Remember, photojournalism is a marathon, not a sprint, and it can take many years to complete a story. Building trust and understanding within the community will eventually lead to the most powerful and authentic work.
Photo taken by Francesca Page whilst on Assignment with Blue Marine Foundation and Oceanographic Magazine This photo shows lead scientist Ben operating the ROV to capture the ecosystem found on the seafloor for the Convex Seascape Survey project.
3. Finding Your Story's Structure
Once you have found your story, it is crucial to fully understand it before you start shooting. It’s important to distinguish between a story and a topic. Topics are broad and general, serving as umbrellas under which more specific stories and angles can be developed. Stories add specificity and context to topics, providing insights into how, why, and when events occur.
For compelling photo stories, focus on the story, not the entire topic. Each story should have three main elements: Characters, Conflict, and Timeliness. When choosing your main character, think outside the box. While characters are often people, they can also be wildlife, cities, buildings, locations, or objects. Consider these questions when identifying your character: Who are they? What are their values? What are their desires and goals?
Like a storybook, your photo story should have a beginning, middle, and end, usually following a journey or process. This journey can be broken down into three actions to make it more compelling and emotionally engaging:
Call to Action: Something happens that the character can no longer ignore, prompting them to act on their desires or motives.
Conflict: Challenges or obstacles that the main character faces and must overcome.
Resolution: How the character achieves or fails to achieve their desires. Consider what has changed and photograph how the main character’s emotions have shifted. This can be illustrated through color, location or lighting.
By finding your story, honing in on your character’s wants, needs, and desires, and following a strong structure and narrative, you will be on the road to creating a successful photo story.
Photo taken by Francesca Page whilst on assignment capturing an incredible NGO called ‘'Kebersamaan Untuk Lautan' (KUL) in Sumatra, Indonesia. This photo shows fishers pull up traps, resembling oversized lobster pots, that have been resting on the seafloor 25-30 meters deep for the past 12 hours. KUL is gradually introducing this new form of sustainable fishing to local fishers, as it increases targeted catch and reduces bycatch of critically endangered sharks and rays.
4. Plan and Visualize Your Shots
Now that you’ve identified your passion, found a story, and planned its structure, it’s time for the fun part: visualizing your shots. Before heading into the field, I recommend meeting with key people involved in the story – scientists, conservationists, and community members. Read research papers and other materials to deepen your understanding. If you can’t visit the location yet, watch documentaries, find photos, and use Google Maps to get a sense of the place.
To convey your message effectively, shoot with purpose. Ensure you capture three essential types of shots: a close-up detailed shot, a medium-angle shot, and a wide shot, making sure no image repeats itself. Start with the ‘safe shot’ and then experiment with different angles, lighting, and compositions. This variety will give you a rich pool of images to choose from when compiling your photo story.
Drawing your story in thumbnails beforehand can help you visualize and approach your work with a clear idea. Think of a photo story like a wordless comic strip, a method inspired by my studies in illustration. This approach helps me stay focused on capturing all the necessary shots.
Finally, think outside the box. If a story has already been covered, find a unique angle or perspective. Remember, you are an artist, using your camera as a paintbrush to illuminate important stories. Let creativity guide you, and don’t hesitate to use tools like camera flashes, filters, and artistic lenses to create different effects.
Photo taken by Francesca Page whilst on Assignment for Dive Magazine to capture the Giant Cuttlefish migration event. This photo shows two male cuttlefish sizing each other up, displaying a dazzling color and shape-shifting show to intimidate the rival and attract the female hiding below.
5. Capturing The Moment
While in the field, remember that you are the messenger, there to capture, not to interfere. Ethical considerations are paramount; your presence should not harm the environment or disturb wildlife. Follow guidelines and regulations for photographing in protected areas, obtain necessary permissions, and respect the dignity and privacy of individuals. Building trust is crucial as you document people’s lives. Approach your work with care, sensitivity, and respect.
Most importantly, enjoy the experience. The most rewarding work of my photography career has been out in nature or with people on the front lines protecting our wild spaces. It’s enriching and fulfilling to make new connections, understand new places, and spend time with new creatures.
Photo taken by Francesca Page whilst on assignment capturing an incredible NGO called ‘'Kebersamaan Untuk Lautan' (KUL) in Sumatra, Indonesia. Tangled in the sharp embrace of gill nets, a critically endangered smooth nose wedgefish represents the devastating costs of bycatch. Fortunately, there is a hopeful side to this story: the smooth nose wedgefish is still alive and will soon be tagged and released back into the wild, playing a role in the fight to save its species from extinction.
6. Be a Ruthless Photo Editor
Your first photo story is complete, congratulations! Now comes the editing process, where you need to be blunt with your work. If a shot is beautiful but doesn’t serve the story, don’t use it.
Avoid editing images on the same day you shoot; it’s easier to be objective after some time has passed. After a few days, select the best 25-50 photos from your shoot. A day or more later, narrow those down to the top 10 images, ensuring each photo serves your original story concept. Aim for 5-10 photos in your final photo story.
Seek advice from trusted friends, colleagues, or family who aren’t emotionally attached to the story. Give them your top 25-50 photos and ask them to select their top 10. This can provide valuable insight into how effectively you’ve captured the story.
Don’t fear failure. With each photo story, you’ll grow and learn. Over time, you’ll become more confident, bolder in your experiments, and more attuned to what to look for. Practice, courage, and curiosity are key to your development as a conservation photojournalist.
Photo taken by Francesca Page whilst on Assignment with Blue Marine Foundation and Oceanographic Magazine A photo of scientists collecting mud samples from the seafloor, which will be part of the virtual Blue Carbon research for the Convex Seascape Survey.
7. Getting It Out There
Now that your photo story is complete, it’s time to share it with the world. If no one sees your work, the power of storytelling remains hidden. Share your story on social media, and engage with your audience by sharing behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections. Try to get it shown at local community centers and exhibitions. Contact reputable publications with large audiences that pay photographers for their work, such as news outlets, papers, and magazines. Encourage viewers to learn more, support conservation efforts, and share the story within their networks. The more people who see your work, the greater its impact will be.
Storytelling and photography are powerful tools that amplify the voices of others. Crafting a compelling conservation photo story requires passion, dedication, and creativity. In a world facing significant environmental challenges, your photography can be a beacon of hope and a call to action. Let your lens bring hidden stories to light and drive meaningful change.
Now, go unleash your creativity and tell some stories!
Photo taken by Francesca Page of Puffins on Skomer Island, Wales UK Two puffins relaxing after their morning hunt for sandeels.
This article was written byFrancesca Page,published illustrator, award-winning photographer, writer, dive professional and GWC Ambassador.
On August 11th, Girls Who Click held an inspiring Photography Workshop in Vancouver, Canada, led by our Partner Photographer, Gunjan Menon. This free outdoor session offered 13 to 18-year-old girls a chance to explore the basics of nature and wildlife photography in a welcoming and supportive environment. Gunjan, an award-winning conservation filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer invited girls who want to learn to click to Stanley Park, a hidden gem teeming with urban wildlife in Vancouver, Canada.
Here is what Gunjan had to say about the day:
Workshop lead and GWC Partner Photographer Gunjan Menon with participants.
What is your gift to the world?
Reflecting on our place in this world connects us in a shared mission—to tell stories that protect the planet and inspire people. This is the feeling I wanted to experience with the girls, and it’s how we began the workshop. The first time I was asked this question, like the girls, I too felt a bit unsure. But it’s a question that keeps coming back to me. I hope as the girls continue their journey, they’ll think about it too—and realize just how lucky the world is to receive the incredible gifts that they will be sharing of finding awe and wonder in nature.
We wanted to host this workshop to help young girls learn the basics of nature photography hands-on and learn what it takes to become conservation storytellers. We encouraged BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth to join us, and thanks to Girls Who Click, Shelley Khunkhun and Beyond Premieres, we were able to provide cameras for those who didn’t have access, breaking down any barriers to participation.
We were fortunate to have the wonderful Melissa Hafting, a wildlife ecologist and the founder of BC Young Birders, to lead our bird walk. Melissa’s passion for birds is contagious, and she is renowned and loved as a bird expert in British Columbia. Shelley Khunkhun, an environmental photographer and UBC Masters student, also joined us and volunteered her time and camera for the participants. We’re deeply grateful to both Melissa and Shelley for joining us and spending their Sunday with our young photographers.
Photos by Shelley Khunkhun
Close one eye, make a frame with your fingers and look around!
We began by looking at the world around us through this “frame”, encouraging the girls to start thinking like photographers. We then moved on to the technical aspects, we covered shot sizes, composition, and framing, encouraging the girls to experiment with different angles and become comfortable with their camera settings.
The girls soon turned their lenses to the cool birdlife in the park, capturing stunning and rare moments—some holding a camera for the first time. We had a discussion about the ethics of wildlife photography, emphasizing the importance of respecting animals and telling compelling conservation stories. Melissa, with her deep knowledge of Stanley Park’s ecosystem, introduced the group to a variety of birds. We were on the lookout for the elusive Northern Waterthrush. Someone had sighted it in the area and we could all hear it, but somehow not see it!
Anica and Sunny in the meantime, were quick to spot a Black-throated Gray Warbler bathing in Ceperley Creek—a perfect moment to discuss lighting and composition. The girls also marveled at a Western Flycatcher and Willow Flycatcher sparring, and the playful flocks of Bushtits flitting about. Throughout the day, we worked closely with the girls, helping them fine-tune their camera settings and perfect their shots. While exposure proved tricky for some, their skills were visibly improving. The most important aspect of wildlife photography — patience — was also practiced (and tested).
Photo by Participant Anna
Photo by Participant Armita
My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her photography experience as it allowed her to express her creativity in new and exciting ways. Through photography, she discovered a passion for capturing the beauty of the world around her, from the smallest details to the grandest landscapes. The experience not only sparked her imagination but also taught her patience and the value of seeing things from different perspectives. It helped her develop a keen eye for detail and a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling through images.
Sanaz
Participant Parent
Photo by Melissa Hafting
After the bird walk, we regrouped to explore what makes a strong story. The task was to pick one bird species and capture its story through a series of photos. But being mindful of the birds’ natural behaviour was key. The big moment came when Naomi photographed the elusive Northern Waterthrush bobbing its tail by the muddy banks—a “lifer” for all the girls. Sunny managed to photograph a Merlin with a catch! They also witnessed an immature Green Heron catch and eat a frog, a scene many were able to capture, including the youngest participant — Armita. Nicole made a really interesting photograph of the heron hiding behind a rock just before striking its prey.
Melissa, Shelley, and I were there to answer any questions as the girls worked on their assignments, and I couldn’t help but feel proud of their growing confidence.
Photo by Participant Naomi
Photo by Participant Sunny
We sat in a circle under a famous old tree and each girl presented her photo story, choosing seven images to convey their message. The series on a Green Heron stalking its prey was particularly striking, illustrating how photography can evoke emotion and tell a deeper story. One participant even used a smartphone to capture her images, proving that the heart of storytelling isn’t always in the tools but the vision behind them. Kate and Annica surprised me by wanting to create stories about Canada geese and not the rarer birds in the park, which showed their inclination to practice their newly learnt photography and storytelling techniques on a subject they were familiar with, could get closer to and creatively see them with a new perspective. I was really impressed by everyone’s clarity of vision and thought process that went into creating these photo stories.
In the end, we discussed questions about various cameras, careers in wildlife, photography techniques, tips and tricks and shared feedback on the photo stories.
Photo by Participant Kate
Photo by Participant Nicole
As the day ended, Melissa informed us we’d spotted an impressive 43 bird species!
A massive thanks to Melissa Hafting for leading the bird walk, and to Shelley Khunkhun and Saiyam Wakchaure from Beyond Premieres for their invaluable help throughout the day. This workshop was a memorable step in these young photographers’ journeys, and I can’t wait to see where their newfound skills will take them
Another great workshop thanks to our wonderful participants, volunteers and workshop leaders!
This blog post is written by photographer, ambassador and workshop lead Beth Hotchkiss.
The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of excitement and nervous energy as twelve girls, ranging in age from 10 to 17, gathered for a Girls Who Click (GWC) photography workshop in Alaska. “How many of you are photographers?” asked a volunteer. A few hands timidly rose, but most remained by their sides. It was a tentative start to what would ultimately become a day full of transformation.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and clusters of small, green trees, the group soon settled into their classroom at the Eagle River Nature Center. Here, they embarked on a journey of discovery, learning firsthand how to unlock their inner photographers and make an impact.
The Chugach Mountain Range rises above a lush valley at the Eagle River Nature Center. The story of these lands and waters begins with the original stewards: the Dena’ina Athabaskan people. Over the years, the area has also seen many visitors including explorers, dog mushers, farmers, and (more recently) photographers! (Photo Credit: Beth Hotchkiss)
Workshop Sessions: Learning and Exploration
The day began with introductions, a safety debriefing, and icebreakers. Then a set of speakers: GWC Ambassador Beth Hotchkiss, photographer Michael DeYoung, and GWC Photographer Cathy Hart, captivated the group through informative presentations. The girls discovered how science and photography connect, and learned how to contribute to scientific exploration through platforms like Zooniverse and iNaturalist. Moreover, the group was introduced to the principles of composition and the art of storytelling through images, setting the stage for the afternoon ahead.
Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the girls set out on their first assignment: to explore the Eagle River Nature Center and use their images to tell a story. Divided into groups, they ventured into different corners of the park. With cameras in hand – some owned, others borrowed – the girls began photographing their environment. For a few, it was their first time handling a camera. As they practiced framing their shots, their confidence grew with each click of the shutter. They experimented with different angles, played with light and shadow, and found an abundance of inspiration in their surroundings.
Workshop participant, Avelene, crouched down to take a picture of the forest floor. The low-angle provided a new perspective, feeling closer to nature. (Photo Credit: Beth Hotchkiss)
Volunteers Michael DeYoung and Sara Peebles demonstrate how lighting can be manipulated to create a more impactful portrait. Workshop participant, Saidra, photographs the difference using an iPhone and shares the results. (Photo Credit: Cathy Hart)
“My heart was full of joy watching the girls so engaged,” said volunteer Sara Peebles. “Once those cameras got in their hands, they came alive!” Mentoring three Afghan girls in the workshop, Sara noted, “it’s a new cultural experience for them. Afghan girls normally go to school and come straight back home.” Watching them photograph mushrooms, flowers, and other visitors at the Nature Center, Sara saw something click within the girls, later remarking, “their passion for photography was born that day.”
An hour and a half later, all the girls gathered back in the classroom to select their three favorite images and craft their stories. Some focused on the beauty of nature, while others were drawn to moments steeped in personal memories or emotion. The culmination of the workshop was full of pride and accomplishment as each girl presented their photo story to peers and mentors alike. Each narrative was unique, giving a new glimpse of the world as seen through their eyes.
Workshop participant, Yasameen, took 542 images during the day. Pictured here is one of the final three she chose to present, an inverted view of the forest using a crystal ball as a prop. (Photo Credit: Yasameen)
Workshop participant, Ayla, was attracted to the odd and unusual. “I wanted to focus on things that don’t belong,” she remarked during her presentation. (Photo Credit: Ayla)
Key Takeaways: Areas of Focus.
The Girls Who Click workshop left a lasting impression on participants and volunteers alike, inspiring all to continue exploring the world through their cameras and using their skills to make a difference. Three major lessons from the day were:
1.We are ALL photographers in training. Photography is a skill that is developed through practice; it requires us to embrace the process of learning and celebrate small wins along the way.Whether it’s our first day or fiftieth year wielding a camera, there’s always room for growth. You don’t become a photographer once you’ve reached an ‘expert’ level, you become a photographer the moment you pick up a camera.
Workshop participant, Zaira, photographed the scenery from a viewing deck at the Eagle River Nature Center. During the in-person event, she practiced new skills and built upon the knowledge she gained from attending prior Girls Who Click workshops online. (Photo Credit: Beth Hotchkiss)
2. Photography is about YOU. “The best camera is the one you have on you,” shared workshop volunteer Michael DeYoung. At its core, photography is not about the type of gear you have but about the person behind the lens—their vision, creativity, and unique perspective. No two people see the world in exactly the same way, which is what makes photography such a powerful art form. It’s our individual viewpoints that set our images apart and enable us to make a meaningful impact.
Workshop participant, Addi, wanted to highlight the circle of life. During the event, she photographed different phases of a tree using her cellphone camera. This image demonstrates the ‘growth’ part of the cycle. (Photo Credit: Addi)
3. No IMPACT is too small: Photography can be used to inspire others, advocate for change, document moments, express feelings, and so much more! Understanding the power of images, and photographing with intentionality can help us make an impact. Whether you are creating a story for publication or sharing a moment with a friend, each photograph has the potential to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and ignite conversations. This is what makes photography worthwhile.
Workshop participant, Fannie, loves color! Her photo series centered around nature’s color palette, honing in on the tones that made her feel most at peace. (Photo Credit: Fannie)
Conclusion: A Final Snapshot
Coming into the workshop, participant Marissa said, “ I want to learn how to take better nature photos.” As she smiles with her camera at the Eagle River Nature Center, it’s safe to say this goal was accomplished. (Photo Credit: Beth Hotchkiss)
A gray wolf trots across the steamy landscape of Yellowstone National Park. In this land of fire and ice, wolves simultaneously embrace negative temperatures in the winter and navigate geyser basins where the sleeping supervolcano below the surface breathes through the Earth’s crust. Yellowstone is not only a geothermic wonder, but one of the few intact ecosystems in the contiguous United States that can support native large carnivores like wolves.
In order to survive in a variety of complex environments and coexist with their neighbors, animals must carve out their own “niche” in space and time, which refers to the unique role species occupy in their respective ecosystems. This could mean being nocturnal while everyone else is out and about during the day, or specializing in a particular diet to avoid competition for resources. For example, mesocarnivores like bobcats, coyotes, and foxes all coexist through subtle changes in diet and habitat use: bobcats prefer brushy habitat where they can avoid detection and ambush small mammals, coyotes spend time in open meadows and often scavenge from larger carnivores, and foxes lie somewhere in the middle. In this way, these three species are able to persist and share the same space without conflict.
Photographers, too, must find our own niche in this rapidly changing modern world. Social media has changed the game when it comes to visibility, networking, finding opportunities, and boosting our careers. The field is saturated with millions of photographers on apps like Instagram and Facebook, not to mention the ever-growing prevalence of AI infiltrating artistic spaces. Wildlife photography, in particular, is a specialized sphere of visual media that comes with its own set of challenges; it can be physically demanding, mentally taxing, and expensive with gear and travel costs. It often seems like there are no images that haven’t already been captured before, or “secret gem” locations that have not already been revealed. Additionally, women in this field often encounter hurdles that highlight the unique reality we face on a regular basis compared to our male colleagues:
– Planning out travel routes and backup plans carefully when shooting solo.
– Trying to appear agreeable and not “high maintenance” to senior colleagues who make us uncomfortable.
– “Did you really take those photos?” being asked of us at every art market we participate in.
Standing Out From the Crowd
So how do up-and-coming female wildlife photographers stand out from the crowd?
Photographers serious about selling prints for income must become marketing gurus, video editors, social media managers, and accountants all in one. We need to simultaneously follow social media trends but also express our own style and personality through the photos we capture in order for our work to get noticed. For multifaceted artist Alyson Yates, this unspoken rule never sat well. She expressed:
Two Egyptian slit-faced bats (Nycteris thebaica) swoop under the thatched roof of a building in Kasanka National Park, Zambia, where they roost during the daylight hours.
“My photography covers a wide range of subjects and conceptual ideas, which has made it challenging for me to build a cohesive body of work on the Internet. I intend to continue working in multiple different themes and mediums, and I hope to eventually cultivate an online presence that accurately represents my photography.”
Alyson’s work centers around misunderstood species like bats, as well as abstract feminist themes and ideas. Artistic influence can be greatly enriched by the support of other photographers that serve as mentors and role models. In Alyson’s case, the vision for many of her own photos is drawn from the work of photographers like Art Wolfe, whose “impossibly vibrant colors and cinematic compositions” exposed her to the world of art and photography early on.
Another one of Alyson’s inspirations, Morgan Heim, also serves as a mentor for wildlife photographer Jessica Hadley. Jessica is a bear technician who spent the last six years working in national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and now Grand Teton. She spends her days documenting human-wildlife interactions throughout the park, from “bear jams” to food-conditioned foxes. However, her career path did not start off on a bright note:
A food-conditioned fox begs for food on the roadway in Grand Teton National Park. Because this fox has been fed by visitors, he could be hit by a car or euthanized for aggressively seeking out handouts from people. Feeding wildlife is illegal in National Parks, but it still happens frequently despite the National Park Service’s efforts to prevent it.
“I had a bad experience in my first year of college when a photography professor told me to stop taking pictures of nature. Thankfully, I didn’t listen.”
More recently, to overcome self-doubt and lack of inspiration, Jessica says she took a step back and studied the work of other photographers like Jen Guyton, Steven Gnam, and Corey Arnold; this allowed her to focus on the bigger picture in her work moving forward.
My own career has taken many twists and turns over the years. I am formally trained as a scientist, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology & Management in 2019 and currently finishing up a Master’s degree in Biology this year. I have published research projects on killer whale behavior, carnivore interactions, seabird mortality, and—soon—about African herbivore gut microbiomes. However, when I decided to take a step toward pursuing photography as a career in 2019, I was clueless. I knew little about camera gear, manual camera techniques, or the social media game. Due to my nomadic seasonal work around the country, I also did not have a physical community to grow and learn from. Then I discovered an organization known as Girls Who Click in 2022.
Ambassadors
Girls Who Click is made up entirely of female photography ambassadors and mentors from around the world with the aim of encouraging other women to develop a lifelong passion for capturing—and striving to protect—the natural world. Alyson, Jessica, and I all joined as photography ambassadors with this organization in the past few years.
“It is easy to feel inspired when you are surrounded by supportive peers with great creative achievements,” says Alyson.
New ambassadors with the program are paired up with mentors during their first year to boost their career goals and home in on project ideas. This community has profoundly shaped my own outlook on the impact my photography can have and expanded my professional network in a way I never would have dreamed. Jessica adds that:
“The Girls Who Click community has fueled my confidence and inspired me to continue pursuing a photography career.”
With an inclusive community like this comes fresh, creative ideas for showcasing our work, encouragement during tough times, and confidence building with every meeting. Learning from diverse perspectives and finding commonality with other photographers rather than competition allows us to open ourselves up to endless possibilities. In this way, it is much easier to see the bigger picture when we inevitably end up with tunnel vision at times. For instance, one of my long-term goals is to delve more into the world of photojournalism and use my background in science to communicate important conservation stories to a general audience through visual media. Alyson hopes to exhibit her work at a Portland gallery where she is based, and is currently building up a new body of work centered around “feminist themes in the Internet age, with a focus on body image, sexualization, power dynamics, and domestic feminine ideals in contemporary media.” Jessica strives to combine her work with bears in the National Parks with her images on human-wildlife interactions into a final, published product, which she calls her passion project.
Conclusions
Despite the challenges that come with breaking into photography in such a hectic world, young women like us are finding our niche every day and motivating others to do the same. Finding role models and community early on can provide an enormous source of support and encouragement as we navigate the jungles of social media and discover our creative edge.
Jessica advises aspiring photographers to apply for everything and to not be afraid to contact other photographers who inspire you. Additionally, throughout my own career, I have personally strived to never lose my curiosity and to always pursue what brings me joy. There is always a story waiting to be told and, in the end, you will be amazed at how far you’ve come.
Rylee Jensen is a 27-year old biologist, guide, and wildlife photographer. Her early role models included the likes of Steve Irwin, Saba Douglas-Hamilton, and Ingrid Visser who inspired her to pursue a career in wildlife biology; she earned B.S. in Wildlife Ecology & Management from Utah State University in 2019 and is finishing up a M.S. in Biology from Northern Michigan University. Throughout this journey, she also naturally gravitated toward capturing the natural world through the lens of a camera. Rylee’s photography has earned her accolades such as the grand prize of PetaPixel’s Wild Personalities contest in 2022, an ambassadorship with Girls Who Click in 2022, and a project role with NANPA’s College Scholar Program in 2023. Her long-term ambition is to build a career in scientific communication and craft a photography portfolio centered around local wildlife conservation issues.
Meet Rylee Jensen (pictured above), a passionate photographer and ambassador for Girls Who Click—the empowering organization, founded by Suzi Eszterhas, dedicated to bridging the gender gap in nature photography for young women aged 13-30. In this guest blog, Rylee shares her insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating social media, tackling gender biases, and finding her unique niche as a photographer. Explore how mentorship and community has empowered Rylee and her peers to break barriers, pursue their passions, and shape conservation narratives through visual storytelling. Throughout the blog, Rylee has handpicked imagery from Nature Picture Library’s female photographers, spotlighting the groundbreaking work of women who are reshaping the landscape of a traditionally male-dominated industry.
We are thrilled to introduce the stunning roster of our 2024 Girls Who Click Ambassadors! Following an intensive selection process, we’ve carefully curated a collection of 16 outstanding New Ambassadors and welcomed 22 Continuing Ambassadors from a pool of over 160 fiercely competitive applicants. These adept photographers and videographers, representing diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, add a kaleidoscope of perspectives to our program.
Beyond their technical prowess and dedication to launching their professional photography careers, these creatives are also champions of conservation. We invite you to explore their captivating portfolios and follow their artistic journeys. Supporting these emerging talents not only nurtures their development but also fosters optimism for a luminous future.
Join us in applauding these exceptional ambassadors.
Each Ambassador has been thoughtfully matched with one of our Partner Photographers, forming a dynamic duo poised to hopefully help take their careers to new heights. These amazing individuals, the backbone of the Girls Who Click Ambassador Program, generously contributes their expertise and mentorship, for which we are profoundly grateful.
Beyond personalized guidance, Ambassadors gain access to Girls Who Click’s nature photography workshops and portfolio reviews, chances to utilize the GWC Social Media platform for their own work, and peer-to-peer connection all over the world in Ambassador-Only virtual meet-ups.
Many of our Continuing Ambassadors, some with us since 2021, will continue into leadership roles, embodying the mission of Girls Who Click.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our program sponsor, Gitzo, who are ensuring our Ambassadors receive cutting-edge equipment, hopefully helping them in the field.
As visual storytellers, we can become so focused on the stories of others that we fail to recognize how our own stories affect the work. This workshop will dive deep into questions like, who am I? Where do I come from? How did I get here, and what forces supported and/or challenged that path? By tuning into our own life experiences and perspectives, we connect more deeply to the people and places we focus our cameras on— becoming ambassadors not only of our craft, but of justice and sovereignty, too.
This two hour workshop is on November 4th, 2023 at 10am PT/ 11am MT/ 12pm CST/ 1pm ET/ 17:00 GMT.
This workshop is for girls and female-identified youth ages 13-18. We do make age exceptions for motivated students. This workshop is free.
Gitzo has always been committed to nurturing and inspiring nature photographers to grow and take a step further. By collaborating with Girls Who Click, Gitzo extends its mission to empower the next generation of female wildlife photographers.
Beyond broadening Gitzo’s horizons, this partnership also paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse world within nature and wildlife photography.
Nature photography is a way to celebrate and explore the beauty of nature. It’s for anyone with a curiosity and passion for the natural world, who likes creative storytelling and being outdoors. Now, picture a nature photographer out in the field, skillfully planning their shot and maneuvering their gear.
What do they look like? Who do you see? What kinds of stories are they telling about nature?
@aledecoibri
The field of nature and wildlife photography is disproportionately male, and far fewer women than men enter wildlife photo competitions. What factors contribute to this phenomenon, why are the numbers of female wildlife photographers limited, and most importantly, is there potential for change soon?
There is nothing inherently gendered about the skills or traits required to be a nature photographer, so why aren’t there more women? While this issue is complex with no simple solution, that doesn’t mean nature photography can’t become a more balanced field. Nature is incredibly diverse and the voices telling the stories of nature should reflect that. That’s where Girls Who Click comes in.
About Girls Who Click
Girls Who Click is a nonprofit organization founded by Suzi Eszterhas, an award-winning wildlife photographer, that is inspiring and empowering girls to develop a lifelong passion for framing the nature around them and striving to protect it. Girls Who Click partners with full-time working professional photographers from around the world to offer free workshops, physical and online, for girls ages 13-18. It also runs an annual mentorship program, the “Ambassador Program”, for young female conservation photographers and videographers ages 16-30.
@beth.hotchkiss.photo
@rylee_jay_photo
The Mission
Girls Who Click’s philosophy is based on the real-life experiences of nature photographers in the industry leading free photography workshops for teen girls, ages 13-18. In-person workshops include a full day of photography instruction, combined with hands-on practice in the field. For photographers who can’t make it to one of the in-person locations, Girls Who Click hosts frequent online workshops, which are accessible worldwide. All the workshops are led by Girls Who Click partner photographers able to share knowledge, experience, and advice about nature photography, from technical skills to artistry and professional development.
Through this collaboration, Gitzo aims to empower and inspire young women to pursue their passion for framing the natural world, breaking down barriers and stereotypes that may have hindered their participation in the past.
By supporting Girls Who Click, Gitzo is not only championing gender equality in photography but also ensuring that fresh perspectives and talents thrive, enriching the field of wildlife and conservation photography for years to come.
@aliciahaydenwildlife
@_miss.v.m_
Ambassadors Mentor Program
Girls Who Click believes that the perspectives behind the lens should be as various as the nature in front of it. This is the reason behind the Ambassador Program, a hands-on mentorship project for female nature photographers and videographers ages 16-30 who seek to take their art to the next level. Ambassadors come from all over the world and different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
What makes the Ambassador Program unique? How does Gitzo enter the game?
Each Ambassador is paired up with a mentor based on their professional and personal goals. During the year-long mentorship, they will virtually meet with their mentor to develop their portfolio, gain key insights on breaking into the industry, and cultivate a network of supportive peers in the photography industry.
Renowned for its commitment to excellence, Gitzo has gone above and beyond by offering top-tier professional gear tailored to support photographersduring the educational program, thereby paving the way for their aspirations. Are you curious about Ambassadors’ works? Keep following us on social media to stay up to date on the partnership.
Join Brenda Tharp in this information-packed online workshop and learn some of the fundamental elements that go into making compelling nature and wildlife photographs. Accompanied by a visual presentation, Brenda will discuss basic equipment needs, camera settings, exposure, what makes a strong composition and how to tell stories in a single or sequence of images. A downloadable PDF of notes will accompany this webinar. Join us and learn what it takes to be an accomplished nature photographer!
Brenda Tharp has been photographing nature and wildlife for over 40 years. She has been published widely in nature magazines and books, calendars, and more, and loves teaching and helping others improve their techniques and personal vision. She is passionate about conservation through photography.
This workshop is on December 2nd, 2023 at 10am PT/ 11am MT/ 12pm CST/ 1pm ET/ 17:00 GMT.
This workshop is for girls and female-identified youth ages 13-18. We do make age exceptions for motivated students. This workshop is free.
Join Alyce Bender for a free online workshop on the 10 Key Principles to Nature Photography. This workshop will take place over Zoom on Wednesday, July 19th at 3:00pm PST/ 5:00 pm CST/ 6:00pm ET.
There are certain principles that, when implemented, elevate an image regardless of the specific genre within nature photography. In this session we will look at these ten key aspects of nature photography, defining them and discussing how to achieve them. By understanding these principles and how they relate to each other, you can further your photography skills in the field and create portfolio-worthy images.
