National Geographic Society Empowers The Next Generation Of Storytellers Through Photography
National Geographic Photo Camp offers immersive storytelling experiences to youth in Galápagos and Baja California Sur.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneer of modern expedition cruising, encourages young people across the globe to share their perspectives on the world around them through National Geographic Photo Camp, an immersive week-long photography experience hosted by the National Geographic Society. Since its inception in 2003, more than 3,000 students have participated in Photo Camps in dozens of countries and countless communities.
“The most valuable thing about Photo Camp was the change of mentality and vision that it gave me. It allowed me to look beyond my horizon, showing me that life is not only in my community but that it expands beyond the streets and houses,” said one student participant from the Santa Cruz Photo Camp earlier in 2025. “It taught me that life without nature is not life, and that humans must do the impossible to safeguard it and thus guarantee that future generations can enjoy it as well.”
The Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Fund, which is supported by travelers on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions voyages, supported three Camps in 2025, and reached 60 students in two regions:
Santa Cruz, Galápagos — Feb. 28–March 4, 2025
San Cristóbal, Galápagos — Oct. 10–14, 2025
Baja California Sur, Mexico — Nov. 17–21, 2025
National Geographic Photo Camp provides a meaningful introduction to photography for young people 17 to 22 years old around the world, offering them opportunities to receive instruction and guidance from world-class National Geographic Explorers and photographers. The camp also helps students build skills and confidence, explore the world around them, and develop deep connections with each other, while being given the tools to tell the unique stories of their communities.
“Listening and trying to understand each other’s stories is one way we can change the world for the better,” said Kirsten Elstner, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Photo Camp Founder. “Our mission is to inspire young people to see the power of their own voice as they explore and share the stories of their own communities.”
“It is a privilege to guide young people as they discover their own voices and begin to understand the role they can play in preserving the places they call home,” said José Guerrero, a naturalist, photo instructor, and certified National Geographic field educator with Lindblad Expeditions.
“Over the course of just a few days, students gain confidence, learn to tell the stories of their communities through photography, and form meaningful connections with one another.”
Each Photo Camp provides around 20 young people with quality mentoring and individual attention from renowned National Geographic photographers and editors, and is entirely free to attend. For the Photo Camps in Baja and the Galápagos, Lindblad Expeditions Field Staff members serve as Team Leads alongside the National Geographic Society team, helping with student recruitment and on-the-ground logistics.
The program lasts five days with all lodging, meals, transportation, and necessary equipment provided, culminating in a final showcase of the students’ images, which is open to local community members, friends, and family. Student and instructor work is also posted throughout each Photo Camp week at @ngphotocamp, in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions’ Instagram.
(National Geographic Society Empowers The Next Generation Of Storytellers Through Photography)
