Neeta Satam

Documentary Photographer

About: I am a freelance photographer and a National Geographic Explorer based in Mumbai and Saint Louis, Mo whose work explores the themes of cultural assimilation, the human condition, and the environment through photography. My personal history and cultural identity have always influenced both the issues that draw me as a visual journalist and the work itself.

In 2001, I moved from India to the United States with a geology degree and the rest of my belongings in a single suitcase. My migration was motivated by a desire for economic, personal, and intellectual freedom—a pipe dream for most women in my country. During an eight-year consulting stint as an environmental scientist in the United States, I observed that economic growth motives rather than concerns about conservation and human health issues often inform environmental policy. This realization, combined with my passion for conservation, ultimately prompted a career switch to visual journalism.

The desire to learn the craft of visual storytelling to communicate environmental issues inspired me to pursue a MA in Journalism at the Missouri School of Journalism.  I am a member of Women Photograph, Native Photograph, Diversify Photo, and Authority Collective. In addition to English, I am fluent in Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati. I am available for assignments worldwide.

Select Clients: The New York Times, The Guardian, Le Monde, The Telegraph, NPR, Bloomberg News, ESPN, ProPublica

Safety Training: HEFAT Training, 40 Hr OSHA Health and Safety Training and CPR  & First Aid Training

Personal Work:  My most recent endeavours include writing about photography and educational outreach effort on climate change through the Pulitzer Center's Educational Program.