What if the most powerful environmental stories are not only about what we are losing, but about the people finding ways forward?

The Environmental Photography Fellowships and Mentorships support photographers around the world who use visual storytelling to explore some of our planet’s most urgent challenges, as well as the people and communities working every day to address them.

Now entering its fourth cycle, the program will provide $50,000 in funding, mentorship, and professional support to visual storytellers whose work demonstrates the power of photography to deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and inspire action.

In 2027, Vital Impacts will award:

- One $20,000 fellowship to an established environmental photographer;
- Six $5,000 fellowships to emerging photographers from around the world; and
- Ten mentorships for photographers whose work shows exceptional promise and would
benefit from additional guidance, community, and professional support.

The fellowships honor the legacies of extraordinary environmental leaders whose lives have demonstrated that lasting change begins with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to see the world differently: Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Ian Lemaiyan, Chico Mendes, Madonna Thunder Hawk, and E. O. Wilson.

Beyond documenting a problem
Environmental photography has often asked audiences to look at what is disappearing. Vital Impacts believes photography can also help us see what is possible.

The program seeks photographers who are building long-term relationships with communities, documenting conservation and environmental solutions, and telling stories that reveal new ways of living alongside the natural world.

“These are extraordinary times, and it is easy to become overwhelmed by the scale of the challenges facing our planet,” said Ami Vitale, founder of Vital Impacts. “But everywhere I have worked, I have also encountered people who are refusing to give up, finding ways for communities and nature to thrive together. We need these stories now. Photography can help us see not only what is at stake, but what is possible.”

Fellowship recipients will have until December 31, 2027, to develop their projects, with ongoing mentorship and support from Vital Impacts to help publish, amplify, and showcase their work.

Ten additional emerging photographers will participate in an intensive mentorship program designed to strengthen their storytelling, expand professional networks, and support their long-term development.

All applicants will also be invited to participate in the Vital Impacts online speaker series, featuring photographers, editors, scientists, conservationists, and other leaders working at the intersection of storytelling and environmental action.

A global opportunity for photographers
Applications are open to photographers worldwide. Prior publication experience is not required.
Vital Impacts is particularly interested in photographers with meaningful community relationships and a long-term commitment to the people and stories they document.

Proposals may be submitted in English or in the applicant’s native language. Translation services will be provided for non-English submissions to support a fair and thoughtful review process.

This is an opportunity to develop ambitious, deeply reported visual stories and to bring images and perspectives to the world that might otherwise remain unseen.