From sunsets behind ancient temples to political figures on Capitol Hill, a career in photography can lead to unbelievable life experiences in destinations you’ve forever dreamed of visiting. Over time, though, many photographers begin to realize their images can lead to more than successful careers or exciting shoots—they can change the world.
Photography has the power to spark social movements and shed light on lesser-known issues. At the very least, images can push audiences to think differently. At the best? A photo can drive audiences to act.
Many of today’s most respected photographers are using their platforms and photography prowess to fight for causes they believe in. If you’re ready to do the same, here are 6 photographers to follow.
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1. Colby Brown
In 2011, professional landscape, travel, and humanitarian photographer Colby Brown launched his nonprofit, The Giving Lens, as a way to help photographers use and refine their skillset for a cause. The Giving Lens runs workshop-style trips where photographers hone their craft on the ground while simultaneously helping a local, grassroots nonprofit. Photographers capture media that the nonprofit may be lacking, then teach basic photography skills to locals so they can capture images, too.
Hear Colby share his story—and more about The Giving Lens—on the Adorama podcast!
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2. Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier
National Geographic photographers Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier are among the best wildlife photographers in the world, but they didn’t stop there. This duo gives back to the wildlife they photograph by going all in on their nonprofit, SeaLegacy. This massive organization is dedicated to creating healthy and abundant oceans. SeaLegacy has an esteemed collective of photographers and filmmakers who band together to raise awareness about the health of our oceans—with solutions on how to save them. To help the SeaLegacy movement, join the organization’s community of ocean advocates, “The Tide.”
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3. Jenna Kutcher
After purchasing a $300 Craigslist camera, Jenna Kutcher transformed from a newbie wedding photographer into a powerhouse business owner and educator who’s using her Instagram platform to push a body positivity message. Kutcher shamelessly (and modestly) poses in her underwear to remind followers that every shape and size is beautiful. In March 2018, her message resonated so well that one of her body-positivity Instagram photos went viral.
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4. Biz Herman
Photojournalist and researcher Biz Herman has a background in political science; she uses her creative and journalistic skillset to share lesser-known stories about history and national identity. While her focus is journalism—not cause photography—Herman perfectly illustrated how work and causes could collide with her “Women of the 116th Congress” project. In this New York Times assignment, Herman and her team photographed 130 of the 131 women serving in the 116th Congress in a historical painting style—showing these powerful women on an equal playing field with their male counterparts. Learn more about Herman’s “Women of the 116th Congress” project on the Adorama podcast.
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5. Justin Hofman
Known for the iconic seahorse with a Q-tip image, conservation photographer Justin Hofman proves that one image can make a major impact. Hofman shares conservation-focused images that make followers stop, then think. He’s a contributor to Nicklen and Mittermeier’s SeaLegacy, and inspires his own nearly 70,000 Instagram followers to join his fight to save the planet.
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6. Erin Sullivan
Professional travel photographer and blogger Erin Sullivan pushes her followers to think before they shoot. In addition to inspiring messages about dream chasing and overcoming adversity, Sullivan helps her traveling community understand when it’s ethical—and not ethical—to hit the shutter. Learn more about Erin Sullivan’s push for ethical photography in our “My Travel Diary” series.
If you’re ready to hone your craft so you can inspire action through images, check out our guide on becoming a better photographer or, better yet, join us June 18 through 20 for hands-on workshops and panels at our annual Adorama INSPIRE event.
Feature photo by Derek Oyen on Unsplash
