The influence of images for younger storytellers

Featured {photograph} by Marques Stewart, National Geographic Photo Camp

As a part of World Photography Day, an annual commemoration of the artwork, craft and science of images all over the world, the National Geographic Society is celebrating National Geographic Photo Camp and the younger individuals who have produced numerous tales about themselves and the world via the images and schooling program.

Photo Camp has been inspiring the subsequent technology of younger storytellers and photographers for over 20 years. Founded by National Geographic Explorer in Residence and famend photojournalist Kirsten Elstner, Photo Camp introduces youth to the facility of visible storytelling.

“Photo Camp is beyond photography,” says Elstner. “Of course it’s a photography workshop that’s about composition and light, but you give a young person a camera, a journal and pen, and a little bit of curiosity to explore their own world, their own community, they’re going to understand one another better.”

Since its inception in 2003, more than 3,000 students have participated in Photo Camps in dozens of countries and countless communities. Students become explorers in their communities and exchange perspectives, uniting individuals whose paths may not have crossed otherwise.

This year alone, the program has hosted workshops in the Galápagos, Uganda, Japan, Mississippi and Wyoming with more to come.

During Photo Camp Ecuador in the Galápagos Islands, students had the opportunity to photograph the majestic archipelago from land to coast. The workshop was led by Explorers Elstner, Meghan Dhaliwal, Luján Agusti, Lindblad Expeditions and other National Geographic photo instructors and local photographers on Santa Cruz Island.

As the workshop continued, students shared their thoughts about what it means to be a young Galapagueño. Norma Javiera Coello wrote:

“Being a Galapagos native means understanding that tourism and conservation must go hand in hand. Our culture mixes Ecuadorian heritage with island life, creating a unique identity. It’s feeling proud to live in a place that inspires scientists and travelers from all over the world. It’s a lifestyle based on connection with nature and respect for it.”

Photograph by Escarleth Tubón Freire

Photograph by Amanya Martha

During Photo Camp Uganda, participants documented the interconnected story of access, equity and stewardship of freshwater resources across East Africa. Students took part in various lessons and exercises, visiting different communities to learn about water-related issues and build visual stories.

When asked to reflect on what water means to them, Photo Camp Uganda student Edlyn Ainembabazi wrote:

“I thought of water as untouchable, eternal and guaranteed because growing up in the village I fetched water from a pond having to make sure it was clean and free from debris or pray that it rains heavily to collect enough rainwater in my bucket. It wasn’t easy getting that kind of water for home use in abundance so I learnt to use my little water responsibly and sparingly.

Sparingly using my water taught me that water isn’t just a resource but a blessing. In the latter, when I moved to the city I had to use the National Water connection which came at a cost; meter readings with expensive monthly bills. I remained nostalgic about the good old days; the days when I used pond water from my 10-liter jerrycan or the rainwater I had collected after the rains and it made me wonder – was water still a blessing or was it now a subscription for survival?”

Photograph by Ammar Yassir

During Photo Camp Japan, in collaboration with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek, students were introduced to the power of photography and slow journalism. They focused on how writers and photographers work together to create meaningful stories.

Ten writers and 10 photographers paired up and visited different parts of the northern Japanese town Shiraoi to document the lives of local residents. For some, it was their first time using a camera. When reflecting on their experience students shared:

ストーリーというのはただ情報を伝えるものだと思っていましたが、人を中心に置いて、その人の内面にある物語を聞き出すことを意識して文章を書くということの大切さを学べたことがよかったです。

“I used to think stories were simply a way to share information, but learning to focus on people and express what’s inside them was an important lesson.” – Yota Matsue, student writer

光の使い方を授業で勉強した後に、実際にフィールドアサインメントで取材をさせていただいた魚屋さんの店の外観を撮影する際に、夕方の光と建物の中から洩れる光を意識しながら写真を撮影することができ、学んだことをすぐに実践できたことが嬉しかったです。

“After learning about how to use light in the classroom, I had the chance to put it into practice right away when photographing the exterior of a fish shop during a field assignment. I was mindful of both the evening light and the light spilling from inside the shop, and it felt rewarding to apply what I had just learned.” – Yunoka Taneichi, student photographer

Through Photo Camp, students often discover parts of themselves they hadn’t seen before. Behind every photo is a young person learning to see themselves from different perspectives. Reflecting on their roots, Photo Camp Mississippi student Chloe Nash shared:

“I chose to capture this photo because it reminded me of myself and what it was like to be a Black girl experiencing adolescence — a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Seeing the group of girls smiling freely, comfortable in their own skin and in each other’s company deeply resonated with me. Their joy made me smile just as brightly. They were such sweet girls, happily pausing to pose for a photo, and it brought back fond memories of a time when I, too, felt that carefree and happy.”

In July 2025, students participated in a Photo Camp workshop in Crowheart, on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. The participants were students from the Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone and Menominee communities who together explored the power of storytelling to deepen the connection between people and the land they live on. Guiding the students were tribal community leaders Michael and Iva Redman, Bryant Wauposse and Medicine Fish, Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative and National Geographic Explorers Victor Zea, Ronan Donovan, and Elstner.

Students Pershing Kaquatosh, Rain Fernandez, Kymarian Oliver and Andrew Irvine shared their thoughts in a group essay on resilience:

“Art is resilience, we can see our stories and traditions with each brushstroke, bead and threat. Our art passes down from generation to generation, showing us how to carry on as our ancestors have.

“When I think of resilience, I think of the Menominee, I think of Goki, unaffected by termination and continuing to produce art, Uncle Myer preserving the Big Drum & language, Dirty Or, who was part of the American Indian Movement and continuing to make art.

“We have cared for the land and our community, pushing through hardships and challenges; resilience is a key part in that,” they said.

Photograph by Edmond Tucker

These reflections are a reminder that Photo Camp is greater than a workshop, it’s a area for therapeutic, discovery and connection. Through Photo Camp, younger individuals are not merely studying take images, however exploring methods to see themselves, their communities in addition to others’ and their futures via a brand new lens.

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ABOUT THE WRITER

Daria Craddock is a Strategic Communications Intern for the Society, summer season 2025. She is keen about public coverage and utilizing media and storytelling to tell, interact and encourage communities. Outside of her internship, she is a devoted pupil at Virginia State University finding out Mass Communications and Political Science.