346: Kirsten Elstner - National Geographic Photo Camp

Photography can be one of the most powerful story-telling mediums that exists. Empowering at-risk or under-served youth to utilize this tool to tell their stories can result in uplifting and life-changing results. Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Kirsten Elstner is the founder and director of National Geographic Photo Camp, whose mission is to work with youth from diverse communities worldwide, guiding them as they use photography to tell their own stories and develop meaningful connections with others. Since 2003, she has worked in over 35 countries and designed over 145 programs, with the intention of inspiring and encouraging young people to see the power of their own voices. On this week's episode, we discuss: What National Geographic Photo Camp is, how it was started, and what impacts it is making across the globe. How Photo Camp operates, including the selection process and funding. Advice for capturing more meaningful stories of our own. How Photo Camp looks to evolve in the future. How to get started with National Geographic as a photographer. And a lot more! Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week: Support the podcast on Patreon. National Geographic Society Educational Resources. The National Geographic Photo Camp book: Photo Camp Stories: Our World Through the Lens of Young Photographers. (This is an affiliate link which supports the show!) National Geographic Photo Camp on Instagram. Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video. Here is who Kirsten recommended on the podcast this week: Lynn Johnson. Podcast Artwork: Cover of National Geographic's PHOTO CAMP STORIES book. Photo by Aye MayZan/National Geographic, Myanmar 2018.

Om Podcasten

This photography podcast takes you well beyond camera gear each week with weekly interviews and panel discussions with professional photographers, industry insiders, enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike. Our candid but laid-back conversations deeply explore the craft of photography, and psychological drivers relating to creativity, motivation, inspiration, and workflow. We also discuss social media, photography business practices, marketing, sales, and hot topics impacting photographers from all genres, with a particular focus on landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. The show is hosted by Matt Payne, a professional full-time nature photographer and the co-founder of the internationally renowned photography competition, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. Matt is also a mountaineer, climbing the highest 100 mountains in Colorado. Matt leverages skills he gained in pursuit of his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology to dig deeply into the hearts and minds of his passionate guests, revealing secrets and inspiration in every episode.