Visualizing climate change: An open call for photography with TED Countdown

The open-call will source, license and promote 100 powerful images of climate change taken by both professional and amateur photographers from around the world. This initiative will distribute a total licensing fund of US $100,000 directly to the chosen photographers.

Introducing the jury

The final 100 images will be selected by an independent jury:

• • Annick Shen – Head of Editorial at Adobe Stock
  • Eric Hilaire –  Environment, Science and Global Development Picture Editor at The Guardian
  • Luis Salazar – Communications Manager at the Global Crop Diversity Trust
  • Nana Kofi Acquah – Independent Photographer based in Accra, Ghana
  • Nicole Itano – Global Recovery Collective Coordinator at Climate Emergency Collaboration Group
  • Shadia Fayne Wood – Executive Producer and Founder of the Survival Media Agency
  • Tanvi Mishra – Creative Director of Caravan Magazine

The visual narratives in circulation must move from illustrating climate causes and impacts to climate justice, solutions and positive change. The online submission and licensing process will consider a broad range of diversity, equity and inclusion factors to ensure that the opportunity is global, accessible, fair, representative, illustrative and impactful.   

The photographic and wider creative sector has been significantly impacted by Covid-19. Selected photographers will be both fairly remunerated and have the opportunity to be profiled, exhibit their work virtually and physically at events such as Countdown and COP26, and feature in a global media campaign. 

Important calendar dates

• • 19 May: Registrations for ‘Visualizing Climate Change’ open 
  • 1 June: Image submissions open
  • 30 June: Image submissions close
  • August: Selected photographers announced 
  • September: Full image collection released on Climate Visuals library
  • October: TED Countdown Summit
  • November: COP 26

Register to the Climate Visuals library now to see and access content that is ‘rights ready’ for your profile. You’ll also be able to save, download and collaborate on image selections across multiple lightboxes.