Neeta Satam

Photojournalist

About: I am a photojournalist 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. In 2021, I joined the International League of Conservation Photographers as an Associate Fellow. 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, speaking engagements, panel participation, and collaborations.

Select Editorial Clients: The New York Times, The Guardian, Bloomberg Businessweek, ProPublica, The Audubon Magazine, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, NPR, Bloomberg News, ESPN, The Undefeated, The Telegraph, The Financial Times

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

Recent Speaking, Panels, and Advisory Board Engagements:
Advisory Board Member | Ocean Visuals, an initiative of Climate Visuals | 2022 - 2023
Panelist | Focus on the Story Festival | Women in Conservation Photography on Creating Powerful Storytelling | 2021
Speaker | International Photography Hall of Fame | Lecture on Documentary Photography | 2020
Panelist | Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources | Environmental Racism and Media Bias | 2020
Speaker | Photojournalism Hub, UK | Lecture on Environmental Storytelling | 2020

Educational Outreach Work:   
Educational outreach effort on wetland conservation through the Pulitzer Center's Educational Outreach Program | 2017- Ongoing
Photovoice Project in collaboration with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Funded by National Institute of Health | 2020 - 2021

Grants:
The National Geographic Explorers Grant – 2019
International Women’s Media Fund Reproductive Rights Grant – 2019
Smith Patterson Reporting Grant, Pulitzer Center – 2017
Correspondents' Reporting Grant, Missouri School of Journalism – 2015
Duffy Reporting Grant, Missouri School of Journalism – 2014
Illinois Academy of Sciences Research Grant – Fall 2003
Great Rivers Land Trust Research Grant – Spring 2003

Workshops:
The Kalish Workshop – 2018
Eddie Adams Workshop | Barnstorm XXVI – 2013
63^rd Missouri Photo Workshop | Troy, MO – 2012 

Exhibitions:
2017- Impassioned Portrayals of Race in the United States | Juried | Lore Degenstein Gallery,
Selinsgrove, PA
2015 – Parting Shots | Curated | McDougall Gallery, Columbia, Mo
2014 – Investing in Women and Girls | Juried | Art Museum of the Americas, Washington, D.C.
2013 – Investing in Women and Girls | Juried | World Bank Headquarters, Washington, D.C
2013 – Ann Metzger Memorial National All Media Exhibition | Juried | St. Louis Artists Guild, St.
Louis, MO

Professional Affiliations:
International League of Conservation Photographers, Society of Environmental Journalists, Women Photograph, Diversify Photo, The Authoritative Collective, Native Photograph, National Press Photographers Association, and The Overseas Press Club