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. 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 worldwide.

Select Clients: The New York Times, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, NPR, Bloomberg News, ESPN, The Undefeated, The Telegraph

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

Recent Speaking Engagements and Panel Participation: 
Focus on the Story Festival | Women in Conservation Photography on Creating Powerful Storytelling (Panelist) | 2021
International Photography Hall of Fame | Lecture on Documentary Photography | 2020
Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources | Journalism Workshop on Environmental Racism/Media Bias (Panelist) | 2020
Photojournalism Hub, UK | Lecture on Documentary Photography | 2020

Educational Outreach Work:   
Educational outreach effort on wetland conservation through the Pulitzer Center's Educational Program | 2017-Ongoing
Photovoice Project in collaboration with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Funded by National Institute of Health | 2020 - 2024

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