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, 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: 
International Photography Hall of Fame | Lecture on Documentary Photography | 2020
Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources | Journalism Workshop on Environmental Racism/Media Bias | 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 Southern Illinois in collaboration with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Funded by NIH | 2020 - 2024

Grants:
The National Geographic Early Career 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