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.