A series of photographs from the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya have won a $12,000 award for the photographer Ami Vitale in the 2020 Big Picture Competition, which drew entries from around the world.
For her essay “Photo Story: Coexistence, Guardian Warriors,” Vitale focused on the sanctuary in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy. (Watch a video of Reteti made by Vitale, below.)
Vitale has traveled to over 100 countries on assignment, where she has witnessed civil unrest and violence but also surreal beauty and the enduring power of the human spirit. She has lived in mud huts and war zones, contracted malaria, and donned a panda suit — all in keeping with her philosophy of “living the story.” Vitale is a photographer for National Geographic and a Nikon Ambassador. Among her numerous awards, Vitale is a five-time recipient of World Press Photo awards.
To see the other winners, click here.
