Uncategorized Archives - Girls Who Click

How to Prepare Your Stories for Editorials with Lana Tannir

by adminFebruary 17, 2026February 17, 2026 Leave a comment

Lana Tannir is a nature photographer, science storyteller, and biologist based in Germany. As a National Geographic Explorer and Emerging League member of the International League of Conservation Photographers, she has spent the past decade documenting the relationship between humans and nature in remote Arctic regions and marine environments. Through her stories, she aims to advocate for change by raising awareness and advancing education.

This workshop is on March 22nd, 12:00 PM CST/7:00 PM CET
Where: Virtual (Zoom)

This workshop is for girls and female-identified youth ages 13-18. We do make age exceptions for motivated students. This workshop is free.

Please remember to have a parent/guardian to fill out the online waiver. If a participant is 18 or over, please fill out the form yourself.

Please fill out the form below to register!

Taller de Fotografía de Verano: La Mirada de los Niños de La Gloria, México

by adminDecember 31, 2025December 31, 2025 Leave a comment

por una fotógrafa asociada de Girls Who Click Diana Caballero Alvarado

Read the English Version here.

En julio de 2025, la comunidad de La Gloria, en el municipio de Cosautlán, Veracruz, México, se convirtió en un lugar donde la curiosidad e imaginación de 20 niñas y niños de entre siete y doce años encontraron un nuevo lenguaje de expresión a través de la fotografía.

Durante seis días, diez cámaras digitales pasaron de mano en mano, convirtiéndose en poderosas herramientas de exploración, juego y descubrimiento. El taller creó un espacio donde niñas y niños expresaron libremente sus miradas mientras aprendían técnicas fotográficas.

Primeros Pasos

Las actividades combinaron ejercicios en el aula y en casa. En el primer día, se desarrollaron dos dinámicas en un jardín comunitario, ambas centradas en la observación cuidadosa y en plasmar en imágenes aquello que más llamaba su atención. La luz del sol se filtraba entre las hojas, los insectos zumbaban alrededor de las flores y el aroma de la tierra y las flores llenaba el aire mientras los niños exploraban.

Primero, dibujaron en hojas de papel lo que observaban, una actividad que se convirtió en las primeras páginas de sus bitácoras de campo. Algunos se enfocaron en pétalos delicados, otros en enredaderas retorcidas o en las texturas rugosas de la corteza de los árboles. Como el dibujo les brindó tanta alegría, esta actividad estuvo disponible durante todo el taller, permitiéndoles volver a ella una y otra vez para registrar nuevos descubrimientos.

Luego, llegó el momento más esperado: descubrir y usar por primera vez una cámara digital. Se formaron diez equipos para compartir las diez cámaras disponibles, pasándolas cuidadosamente de mano en mano. Reconocieron y aprendieron el uso de sus botones, sus partes y sus funciones, comprendiendo la importancia de tratar la cámara como una extensión de sus propios ojos. Rápidamente, se familiarizaron con el encuadre, la composición y el ajuste del enfoque para capturar lo que les llamaba la atención.

Sus primeros temas incluyeron flores que se mecían con el viento, troncos de árboles con textura, insectos que se arrastraban, piedras a la orilla del río, el cielo siempre cambiante y la superficie brillante del agua. Al final de la sesión, con entusiasmo, compartieron sus fotografías con todo el grupo, comparando perspectivas, observando detalles y celebrando los descubrimientos de cada uno.

Retratos y Miradas

Los niños realizaron tres ejercicios centrados en el retrato, explorando las múltiples posibilidades del encuadre, los ángulos y los escenarios:

En casa, fotografiaron a los animales con los que conviven a diario: guajolotes picoteando en el jardín, gallinas cacareando a sus pies, cabras descansando a la sombra, perros moviendo la cola con entusiasmo, gatos holgazaneando y conejos mordisqueando hierbas frescas. Experimentaron con la perspectiva, a veces agachándose o disparando desde arriba para capturar la personalidad de los animales.
En equipos, fotografiaron a sus compañeros de clase, explorando poses divertidas, expresiones espontáneas y risas compartidas. Aprendieron cómo pequeños cambios de ángulo o distancia podían transformar drásticamente un retrato.
Individualmente, crearon autorretratos, experimentando con temporizadores, espejos y accesorios para expresar su propia identidad y estado de ánimo.

Varios niños también optaron por fotografiar a miembros de sus familias, capturando momentos íntimos, gestos y la calidez de la vida cotidiana.

Explorando el Entorno

Para el tercer día, ya comenzaban a descubrir las sutiles expresiones de la luz y la sombra, observando cómo los rayos del sol se extendían por las paredes en la mañana y cómo las nubes de la tarde suavizaban los contornos. Buscaban texturas en la corteza de los árboles y la piedra desgastada, capturaban formas abstractas en el agua ondulante y los marcos de las puertas erosionados, y celebraban la vívida presencia del color en sus hogares y en toda la comunidad.

También visitamos el vivero forestal de Pedro, una parte fundamental de la Red de Viveros de Biodiversidad Agroecológica. Allí, los niños fotografiaron los semilleros, los paisajes ondulados circundantes y las vibrantes frutas, semillas y pequeños animales que habitaban el vivero. Capturaron delicadas plántulas que se extendían hacia la luz del sol, coloridas aves revoloteando entre las ramas y las intrincadas texturas de las hojas y la corteza.

Al finalizar la visita, Pedro explicó la importancia de conservar y reproducir más de cien especies de árboles del bosque de niebla, destacando cómo estos árboles no solo sustentan la biodiversidad, sino que también brindan sombra esencial para los cultivos de café. Los niños escucharon con atención, relacionando las fotografías que habían tomado con la historia más amplia de la gestión ecológica y el delicado equilibrio de su entorno.

Del Archivo al Papel

Cada actividad invitó a los niños a ver lo familiar con nuevos ojos. De cada ejercicio seleccionaron sus tres fotos favoritas y compartieron con el grupo las historias, emociones y observaciones detrás de ellas. Al final de cada sesión, descargábamos y organizábamos cuidadosamente las imágenes en carpetas por equipo, día y actividad, guiando a los niños en el proceso de gestión de archivos y la importancia de conservar su trabajo.

Un día, llevamos una impresora portátil con tinta y papel, lo que les permitió experimentar todo el proceso desde la captura hasta la impresión. Observaron fascinados cómo sus imágenes aparecían en el papel, descubriendo las dimensiones táctiles y visuales de la fotografía. Al día siguiente, volvieron a ver con entusiasmo sus impresiones, viendo reflejada su propia mirada y comprendiendo mejor cómo las fotografías pueden preservar y transformar un momento.

Después, intervinieron una de sus fotografías con acrílicos, lápices de colores y recortes, convirtiéndolas en la portada de su bitácora de campo.

Exposición y Comunidad

El taller culminó con una exposición colectiva en el salón ejidal, donde familias, vecinos y miembros de la comunidad se reunieron para ver el mundo a través de los ojos de las niñas y niños de La Gloria. Las paredes y las mesas exhibían sus fotografías: retratos llenos de vida, primeros planos detallados de plantas y animales y paisajes extensos; cada imagen reflejaba una perspectiva única y un momento de descubrimiento. Risas, curiosidad y orgullo llenaban la sala mientras las niñas y niños guiaban a los visitantes a través de su trabajo, explicando las historias detrás de sus fotografías favoritas y compartiendo las técnicas que habían aprendido. La exposición se convirtió en una celebración de la creatividad, la comunidad y el poder de ver lo cotidiano de maneras extraordinarias.

Además, una noche se proyectó una selección especial de cinco cortometrajes del Festival Itinerante de Cine Comunitario de la Tierra (FICCTERRA), que también proporcionó el equipo de proyección y sonido. Las familias se reunieron en el salón comunitario llenando la sala de expectación y emoción mientras las luces se atenuaban y las películas cobraban vida en la pantalla. La proyección propició conversaciones, risas y momentos de reflexión poniendo de relieve la conexión entre el cine, la fotografía y la comunidad. Ofreció a las niñas y niños la oportunidad de ver cómo la narrativa visual puede capturar la esencia de un lugar, inspirar curiosidad y reunir a las personas en una experiencia compartida.

Agradecimientos y Mirada al Futuro

Este taller fue posible gracias a una red de colaboraciones. Girls Who Click, organización dedicada a promover la inclusión de niñas y adolescentes en el mundo de la fotografía, permitió que nuestra fotógrafa asociada Diana Caballero y la fotógrafa local Karo Carvajal, de la Universidad Veracruzana, dirigieran el taller.

Gracias a la Fundación Amy & Jocelyn Gannon, creada para honrar el legado de Amy y Jocelyn apoyando a mujeres emprendedoras y jóvenes artistas y atletas talentosos, pudimos proporcionar diez cámaras digitales que quedaron al cuidado de las niñas y niños de la comunidad, así como papel y tinta para imprimir cien fotografías. Su apoyo permitió que cada niña y niño participara plenamente en la captura y producción de sus imágenes, fomentando la creatividad, la confianza y el sentido de pertenencia a su obra. La misión de la fundación de abordar las desigualdades económicas y sociales se reflejó en cada aspecto del taller, asegurando que cada niña y niño tuviera acceso a las herramientas y oportunidades para explorar sus talentos.

La organización local Iniciativas para la Conservación de la Naturaleza A.C. sirvió de puente fundamental con Pedro, quien a su vez conectó con las familias de La Gloria, fortaleciendo el vínculo entre las niñas y niños, la naturaleza y los proyectos de conservación. Esta red de alianzas permitió que el taller prosperara, dejando una huella imborrable en las niñas y niños, sus familias y la comunidad en general, y llevando adelante la visión y el espíritu de Amy y Jocelyn de una manera significativa y tangible.

Semillas de Nuevas Perspectivas

Más allá de la técnica o los resultados, el mayor logro fue demostrar que a la infancia, cuando se le brinda espacio y herramientas, es capaz de reinventar la forma en que se mira lo cotidiano. Las niñas y niños comprendieron que la fotografía no era solo una forma de documentación, sino también una manera de expresar sus sentimientos y pensamientos, proyectando sus miradas a los demás.

La fotografía, combinada con actividades como el dibujo, el collage, la encuadernación y la proyección de cortometrajes, se reveló como un catalizador de la creatividad y un puente hacia nuevas experiencias de aprendizaje. En La Gloria, las niñas y niños descubrieron que sus voces también podían expresarse a través de imágenes, y que cada fotografía era un testimonio de la memoria, la imaginación y la riqueza de su perspectiva.

El taller sembró semillas de nuevas visiones que seguirán creciendo junto a sus jóvenes fotógrafos. El proceso no termina aquí: les dejamos propuestas de temas para fotografiar durante los siguientes seis meses: alegría, amor, autorretratos y emociones, agua, luz, la comunidad de La Gloria, café, familia y amigos. Anhelamos regresar y maravillarnos una vez más con sus miradas.

Community Scientists: Your Passion Powers Conservation

by adminNovember 3, 2025November 3, 2025 Leave a comment

As a non-profit that supports young female-identifying photographers, we know conservation starts with passion, not a degree. Community scientists, everyday people like you, are proving that anyone can make a difference in protecting our planet. Whether you’re snapping photos of local wildlife, documenting environmental changes, or sharing stories of people behind the scenes, your work matters. Following your heart, not fleeting trends, is what makes your contribution unique and enduring.

Conservation doesn’t care about credentials. You don’t need a formal education to contribute to science. Observing nature, collecting data, or raising awareness through your photography are all vital acts of community science. Research is important, but so is engaging others. Your images can spark conversations, inspire action, and connect communities to the environment.

We’re excited about three ways community scientists shine:

Accessible Impact: No formal training? No problem. From counting birds to photographing ecosystems, your observations add valuable data to conservation efforts. Your unique perspective adds value no one else can replicate.
Powerful Storytelling: Your photos communicate science in ways that resonate. A single image can inspire others to care about wildlife or habitats.
Building Connections: Sharing your work fosters community engagement, uniting people around a shared love for nature. Collaborating with research teams can amplify your impact as a community scientist, even if photography is your primary passion. By partnering with scientists on field trips, you can focus on capturing stunning visuals of their work documenting species, habitats, or experiments while they handle the research. Collaborations with local conservation groups or universities to offer your skills, building partnerships that blend your heartfelt photography with their scientific efforts.

Pitch your photography projects to anyone, friends, local groups, or online networks. Explain what you’re capturing, why it matters, and how it supports conservation. Collect contacts and follow up to share more of your vision.

Your lens is a tool for change, amplifying the impact of community science. Keep shooting, keep sharing, and watch your passion inspire others!

Share Your Lens: How Pitching Your Photography Sparks Connection

by adminAugust 23, 2025August 31, 2025 Leave a comment

Why is Pitching Important?

A great photograph captures a moment, but a great pitch shares your vision with the world, igniting excitement in others. When you talk about your work -whether it’s documenting community life, exploring nature, or crafting bold portraits- your enthusiasm is contagious. It draws people in, making them eager to learn more about your art and its impact.

Pitching your projects to others isn’t just about seeking support; it’s a way to ignite shared enthusiasm and open doors to new opportunities.

When you pitch with genuine passion, it creates a ripple effect. Your excitement about your photography can spark curiosity and interest in listeners, drawing them into your world and making them eager to learn more. People respond to authenticity.

Remember, pitch to anyone: friends, family, mentors, or even strangers at events. Your work is important, and every conversation is a chance to network.

Share what you’re creating and why it matters, your unique perspective can inspire others to support your journey. Here are three things to get excited about:

Sparking Enthusiasm: Your passion for photography can light up a conversation, turning listeners into advocates who want to spread the word about your work.
Building Relationships: Exchanging contact information during a pitch opens the door to mentors, collaborators, or supporters who can help your vision grow.

Growing Through Follow-Ups: Being proactive with a follow-up email or message lets you share more of your portfolio, deepening connections and opportunities.

How to Practice Pitching?

Elevator Pitch Challenge
You’ve got one minute in the elevator – make it count.

Prompt:
Pitch your current project whether it’s photography, creative work, community organizing, conservation, or something else you’re passionate about. In 60 seconds, clearly explain:

What your project is
What you’re doing or creating
Why it matters – who it impacts and why it’s important now

Think: If someone had the power to fund or support your work, what would you want them to understand and remember?

When you pitch, don’t just stop at the conversation. Ask for contact details and follow up promptly to share more about your projects. Whether it’s a quick email with a link to your portfolio or a note about your latest shoot, staying proactive keeps the momentum going. Your photography has the power to connect, inspire, and create change, so pitch with passion and watch the possibilities unfold!

Craft your elevator pitch around what you’re creating, why it excites you, and its broader impact so in just 60 seconds, you can convey the essence of your project and leave a memorable impression. Keep pitching – your lens has the power to inspire and connect.

Biocontamination: What It Is and Why It Matters in Environmental Storytelling

by adminMay 25, 2025June 18, 2025 Leave a comment

Written by GWC Ambassador Maggie Seida. All images photographed and edited by Maggie Seida unless otherwise stated.

If you’ve ever hiked through a forest, set up a tripod in a field, or packed for an assignment abroad—you’ve likely carried more than just your gear. Tiny seeds. Microscopic spores. Microbes and pathogens. These biological hitchhikers can come along unnoticed, and are called biocontamination.

Biocontamination is the unintentional transfer of living organisms—plants, microbes, insects, even diseases—into ecosystems where they don’t belong. These newcomers can crowd out native species, unravel food chains, or introduce viruses that local wildlife have no immunity against.

You don’t have to be careless to contribute to the problem. Seeds can lodge in your boot treads. Bugs can cling to your backpack. Pathogens can ride in on your tripod. Even biodegradable snacks can pose a threat if left behind.

A Global Problem with Local Consequences

As people have traveled the globe—through colonization, trade, and now tourism—we’ve introduced and spread countless organisms to new environments. Some were intentional (like crops or livestock), but many were not. The result? Invasive species that thrive too well and push native species out.

Here are just a few examples:

Hawaii’s Endangered Birds
Avian malaria, carried by non-native mosquitoes introduced in the 1800s via larvae-infested ship water, has devastated native Hawaiian birds. With no immunity, native birds often die from a single bite. Now, researchers are using genetically modified mosquitoes in a race to save what’s left of these culturally beloved species.
Meadowgrass in Antarctica
Despite its remoteness, Antarctica isn’t immune. A 2012 study found that tourists and researchers carried about 71,000 plant seeds to the continent in one season—many embedded in clothing or gear. Invasive plants like European meadowgrass have now taken hold on some Antarctic islands, and as the climate change makes Antarctica more hospitable, more may follow.
Zebra Mussels and Boats
Native to Eastern Europe, zebra mussels have invaded North American freshwater systems via ballast water and recreational boats. These prolific invaders clog pipes, damage infrastructure, and overwhelm native species. Because they can survive out of water for weeks, they easily hitchhike between lakes on boats and trailers—especially in areas with high tourist activity.

A 2023 United Nations report attributes the spread of over 37,000 alien species to human activities, with a staggering global cost of $423 billion in 2019 alone.

Why, As Environmental Storytellers, Should We Care?

If you’re a filmmaker, photographer, scientist, or conservation storyteller, you likely spend time in ecologically unique and delicate places—alpine meadows, wetlands, remote islands, or protected reserves. These ecosystems are often the most vulnerable to biocontamination—and the least equipped to bounce back.

As people who enter these spaces for our work and our passion, we have a responsibility to protect the ecosystems we document.

How Would I Introduce Bio-Contaminants?

Seeds stuck in boot soles
Bugs hiding in backpacks
Spores or pathogens clinging to tripods, drones, or tents
“Biodegradable” food scraps like banana peels or apple cores

These small stowaways can have huge, lasting impacts that are often difficult to trace and contain.

How to Minimize Your Ecological Footprint

Clean Your Gear:
Before and after travelling, scrub and disinfect your:

Boots and shoes (especially the treads)
Tripods, drones, and camera gear
Clothing (check cuffs, Velcro, and pockets)
Backpack and camera bag (seeds love to hide in mesh!)

Be Mindful With Organics:
Don’t toss food scraps in the wild—even if they’re compostable. Refrain from collecting flowers, shells, or seeds to bring home. They can carry pests or pathogens, too.
Know the Ecosystem:
Familiarize yourself with which species are native, invasive, or endangered. Many countries have apps or portals where you can report unusual sightings.
Use Your Platform:
Talk about your biosecurity practices, show how you prep your gear. Share them in captions, behind-the-scenes clips, or field notes. The more these practices become widespread, the better.

Biocontamination is often invisible—but its impact isn’t. Once an invasive species takes hold, it’s almost impossible to remove. Fortunately, most of it is preventable.

By taking a few extra steps, we can protect the places we’re so passionate about. Whether you’re trekking through alpine forests or documenting penguins in the south, your preparation can reduce unintended impact and keep these ecosystems intact.

Quick Pre-Travel Biosecurity Checklist

✔ Scrub and disinfect boots and gear
✔ Inspect clothing and packs for seeds or bugs
✔ Avoid bringing uninspected organic materials
✔ Check and follow local biosecurity rules
✔ Document responsibly, and leave no trace

A Watershed Moment in Los Angeles: Photographing an Environmental Emergency

by adminApril 13, 2025April 14, 2025 Leave a comment

All images photographed and edited by Beth Hotchkiss unless otherwise stated.

Beth Hotchkiss, a Public Information Officer with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and a Girls Who Click Ambassador, recently joined a massive response to protect the burned areas of Los Angeles County from taking another hit. This time, from winter storms.

“Even though the wildfires were contained, the emergency was not over. All of the hazardous debris from burnt cars and structures threatened the local water supply,” Beth said. “My job was to highlight how young adults were taking swift action to protect LA communities and wildlife.”

More than 400 CCC Corpsmembers, ages 18 to 25, were mobilized by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to the Palisades and Eaton Fire burn scars. Under the direction of engineers and environmental scientists, 32 crews placed more than 116 miles of compost socks and countless gravel bags to filter out contaminants from rainwater runoff.

“For this assignment, I helped news stations connect with CCC crews. I also created content for state agencies to use in their communications,” Beth said. “The most rewarding part was interviewing Corpsmembers who, despite being away from home and working overtime, were all grateful to serve California and protect the environment at a moment’s notice.”

Leveraging the skills she learned through the Girls Who Click Ambassador Program, Beth used her camera to document the emergency response. Although this assignment was time-sensitive and short-notice, she readily applied lessons from past workshops and mentorship sessions.

“A big takeaway I learned from GWC is to think not only about my main subject but also to be mindful of the surrounding environment,” Beth said. “While in the field, I tried to frame my images in a way that emphasized both elements of the story.”

With more than 13,800 structures in need of runoff mitigation, the scale and urgency of this mission was unprecedented, requiring all hands on deck. Through the Cal OES Watershed & Debris Flow Taskforce, the CCC joined forces with the Department of Water Resources, Caltrans, the Department of Conservation, and CAL FIRE. More than 30 public information officers and audio-visual specialists were directly involved in the response. This work ensured the public could receive timely and accurate information about the ongoing effort.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside other agencies! Before working for the CCC, I had no clue that the government even hired photographers,” said Beth. “I thought my only options were to partner with nonprofits or go freelance. In actuality, there are many positions within state service that are perfect for folks who are passionate about environmental communication!”

Beth works for the CCC, a State of California department offering paid training to young adults with the goal of empowering the next generation of conservationists while helping California prepare for, respond to, and recover from environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. With this watershed protection mission now complete, Beth looks forward to the next assignment.

“Whether it’s photographing CCC crews in the forests, on the trails, knee-deep in creeks, or on another emergency response, I’m ready,” said Beth. “This experience has honed my coordination and time-management skills, so I’m better positioned to photograph not just long-term conservation efforts but also short-notice environmental emergencies!”

For more information about the CalOES Watershed Protection & Debris Flow Taskforce, visit news.caloes.ca.gov. To learn more about CCC’s mission and opportunities to join, visit ccc.ca.gov. To explore careers with the State of California, visit calcareers.ca.gov.

Meet the 2025 Ambassadors!

by adminFebruary 6, 2025February 7, 2025 Leave a comment

We’re thrilled for what’s in store at Girls Who Click (GWC) this year! From expanded in-person and virtual workshops to new outreach opportunities, there’s so much to look forward to. Plus, we can’t wait to spend the year with our 2025 Ambassador Cohort—welcoming new faces and continuing to support our incredible mentees.

Speaking of Ambassadors, we would love to take a moment to introduce you to the 2025 Ambassador cohort – made up of 41 passionate photographers, videographers, story-tellers and conservationists. Stay tuned for all the adventures ahead.

New Ambassadors

Our latest cohort of ambassadors is joining us from across the globe, bringing fresh perspectives and passion to our community.

Get ready to connect with them through their social media takeovers on instagram, where they’ll share their journeys, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Amy Ashley-Mather @amyswildshots, Great Britain
Amy Lawson @amyintheocean, Australia
Ariadna Lacruz Romani @arilacruz_photography, Spain
Carolina Kara Prange @carol_prange, Brazil
Chrissy Shammas @chrissyshammasphoto, United States
Corey Nevels @coreyray__, United States
Faith Barton @thebirdsofpraise, United States
Florence Nduna @flolovesphotography, United States
Francesca Hanen @sassafraz_, United States
Imara Njeri @imara.in.mara, Kenya
Jamie Hellard @ecoanglephotography, Canada
Jasmine Corbett @jasminecorbettphoto, Great Britain
Jessica Humphreys @emerald_wildlife, Great Britain
Julia Westergren @westergrenphotograpy, Sweden
Kealeboga Magwaneng @_through.my.lens___, Botswana
Lauraclara Cosmas @lauraclara.c, Tanzania
Mona Hederich @monaseum, Germany
Nina Duggan @waywardecologist, United States
Riley Concannon @ri_in_focus, United States
Sennen Powell @sennenpowellphotography, Great Britain
Supriya Harindrawar @supriya_harindrawar, India

Continuing Ambassadors

Our returning ambassadors aren’t just growing—they’re stepping up as leaders, mentoring new ambassadors and shaping the future of our community.

Some have been with us since 2020, and we’re honored to see them continue their journey with us.

Alejandra Rendon @aledecolibri, Spain
Alicia Hayden @aliciahaydenwildlife, Great Britain
Alyson Yates @alysonslens, United States
Ana Sapp @a.sappshots, United States
Andrea Sherry @andrea_sherry_photography, United States
Aztrid Priscila Novillo Mosquera @aztridnovillo, Norway
Beth Hotchkiss @beth.hotchkiss.photo, United States
Céline Bouquet @celinebouquet_, France
Chelsey Schartz @conservationchelsey, United States
Chelsie Xavier-Blower @chelsie_x_b, United States
Francesca Page @francescapagephoto, Great Britain
Guadalupe Gardetti @g.l.gardettiphoto, New Zealand
Hallie Cowan @the_halligator, United States
Laia Soler Iglesias @laia.soler.photographer, Norway
Lea Milde @lea.milde, Germany
Maddy Rifka @maddyrifka, United States
Maggie Seida @maggieseida, United States
Manasi Gopinath @manasi_photography, India
Maureen Gathoni @maureenwild_, Kenya
Rylee Jensen @rylee_jay_photo, United States
Sadie Hine @shine_photography__, United States

Meet the 2022 Ambassadors!

by adminNovember 20, 2021November 20, 2021 Leave a comment

We are thrilled to introduce you to the 2022 Girls Who Click Ambassadors. This group was selected from over 160 competitive applicants and includes 14 Ambassadors who are new to the program and 14 Continuing Ambassadors. They are young, talented photographers and videographers that come from many different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Along with a special drive to launch their professional photography career, they are also fierce advocates for conservation. Please take the time to look at their work and follow them. They are a worthy investment and they make us more hopeful than ever about the future. WOW.

The Ambassador Program is one-of-a-kind: a professional mentorship that launches diverse women and non-binary individuals into nature photography, an industry that is heavily male-dominated and white. Girls Who Click is committed to making changes happen.

Click on the links below to learn more about each amazing Ambassador!

Alexis Wangare Wachira, Kenya
Elizabeth (Lilah) McCormick, USA
Emily Harwitz, USA
Fiona Wardle, New Zealand
Halie Saferstein, USA
Karabo Magakane, South Africa
Lana Tannir, Germany

Liseth Tapasco, Colombia
Maddy Brunt, USA
Mariana Rivera Uribe, Colombia
Queen Manyike, South Africa
Sitara Karthikeyan, India
Sofia Lopez, USA
Tay Belcher, Kenya

2021 Continuing Ambassadors

We would also like to re-introduce you to our Continuing Ambassadors who are staying with the program to continue developing their work! The Ambassadors exemplify Girls Who Click’s mission and values and have demonstrated leadership and passion in the Ambassador Program.

Daphne P, USA
Stephanie Foote, UK/Kenya
Evelyn Smalley, UK
Samantha Stephens, Canada
Emma Balunek, USA
Lianna Nixon, USA
Lea Milde, Germany
Aishwarya Sridhar, India

Beth Hochkiss, USA
Kate Vylet ,USA
Angelica Mills, South Africa
Sadie Hine, USA
Jo Davenport, UK
Chelsea Mayer, USA
Alena Ebeling-Schuld, Canada
Katie Waddington, France

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 are deeply indebted to them for their mentoring and generosity.

In addition to mentorship, Ambassadors have access to all Girls Who Click nature photography workshops. The Ambassador Program is sponsored by ThinkTank, LEE Filters, and Wild Idea Lab, who will provide special benefits to Ambassadors.

Thank you for being a member of the Girls Who Click community. If you love what we do, please consider donating to support these programs!

Get Mentored by a Pro: Ambassador Program Application Open for 2022!

by Margot MooreAugust 26, 2021August 26, 2021 1 Comment

To our wonderful Girls Who Click Community,

We are so excited to announce the second year of the Girls Who Click Ambassador Program. The application window is NOW OPEN! Complete your application until October 31,2021.

The Ambassador Program guides young female and female-identified+ photographers/videographers ages 16-30 through a one year (at minimum!) mentorship. We pair each Ambassador with a photographer who will mentor her in fundamental areas: developing a portfolio, breaking into the industry, and cultivating a network of supportive individuals.

Girls Who Click is committed to creating an inclusive program for participants from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Each photographer will learn and grow from her mentor as well as from our bigger Girls Who Click Ambassador community. Like all of our programs, the Ambassador Program is completely free for participants.

How do you apply to become an Ambassador? It’s simple. Complete our online application and send us a portfolio of 40 images. We want all who are interested to be able to apply. If you have any questions or need any help, you can email us at info@girlswhoclick.org at any time.

This last year, we’ve had bright, amazing photographers and videographers in the Ambassador Program. We are thrilled to continue the trend and welcome more Ambassadors in 2022, helping them work towards their career goals and navigate the professional photography industry.

And, we couldn’t do it without our amazing sponsors: ThinkTank, LEE Filters, and Wild Idea Lab.

Here’s to another year of the Ambassador Program!

With gratitude,

Suzi Eszterhas
Founder & Executive Director, Girls Who Click

GWC featured on Cal Academy of Sciences’ Breakfast Club Show

by adminJanuary 12, 2021January 13, 2021 2 Comments

Don’t Miss this Bold Conversation about Women in Conservation Photography!

GWC Founder & Executive Director Suzi Eszterhas, GWC Board Vice President Susan McElhinney, and GWC partner photographers Jaymi Heimbuch and Morgan Heim sat down with Cal Academy’s Breakfast Club for an honest conversation about women in wildlife photography.

Watch Cal Academy’s conversation with Suzi, Susan, Morgan, and Jaymi!

In this courageous discussion, Suzi, Susan, Morgan, and Jaymi shared the personal challenges they have faced in the field as a female photographer.

The conversation drove to the heart of discrimination in the industry, and included important and controversial topics:

Gendered language in photography articles
Photography gear advertisements and sizing
Types of imagery receiving preference in photography contests
Harassment and violence in the field
Pay inequality
Lack of transparency in hiring and pay scales in the industry
Advantages of being a woman in the field
Exponential importance of finding your own voice as a woman

The conversation was brutally honest and at times painful as the talk turned in particular towards sexual harassment and incidents of physical violence while in the field. But there is hope for future generations thanks to the work of women like Suzi, Suan, Morgan, and Jaymi, as well as organizations like Cal Academy that put the spotlight on these issues.

One of the most important steps in getting more women into the professional industry is removing obstacles to getting them hired. Morgan and Jaymi are founders of Her Wild Vision Initiative. Through an online, international directory, the project makes it easier for notoriously busy photo editors to find female and female-identified conservation photographers and videographers. As the project boldly states: “No more excuses for not being able to find us.”

Next up – stay tuned for a future Breakfast Club show about the lack of diversity in nature photography.

Thank you all for supporting female and female-identified professionals!