Driven by a desire to serve, photographer and conversationalist, Cristina Mittermeier, also known as "Mitty," has used her artwork to build platforms that address the urgent need for environmental action and preservation of indigenous cultures.

Born and raised in Mexico, Cristina carries three passports, and describes herself as a ‘Citizen of the World.’ She takes her camera to the most remote corners of the Earth, using art as a universal language to start conversations and encourage us to rethink the relationship we have with our planet.

Drawn by her love for the ocean and its creatures, Cristina began her career as a Marine Biologist. She was focused on making meaningful contributions, but quickly realized the limits scientific research alone has when it comes to reaching others. This led her to follow her second passion–art.

“I wanted to be of service, so science was my entry point, and I discovered that it was not a very useful one.” Said Crisitina as she was explaining her transition in career paths.

“I kind of stumbled onto photography because I knew photographers, and I could borrow a camera, but I feel like it could have easily been painting, or poetry, or anything else. You know, just when you want to be of service, you'll find the tool to reach the people you want to service.”

Much of her work involves Indigenous communities, dispelling common myths and highlighting the wealth of knowledge they have about the environments they live in.

“I discovered that if you want to protect nature, you cannot work in the absence of community involvement. You have to work with the people who live in these landscapes, and they are an integral part of success or failure in protecting nature,” said Cristina.

“If you include them, you realize that they're already the stewards of biodiversity. That a lot of these communities that live around the world have been observing nature and the way that our planet works for so long, they have an understanding we don't.”

It is from these communities that inspired Cristina’s concept of ‘enoughness,’ using the word to encapsulate a mindset of respect, balance, and sustainability. In a culture of excess and overconsumption, adopting a mindset of ‘enoughness’ can guide us to more sustainable living practices. Cristina has spoken on this idea in a 2014 Ted Talk and various publications.

Despite the stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring images Crisitina captures, she describes her work in the field as ‘anything but glamorous.’ Leaving the comforts of home, she braves the harsh conditions of nature, camping with remote tribes or living on a boat for weeks, or even months at a time.

“And then you're reminded, I'm here to do this job. I'm here to be a voice for those who have no way of advocating for themselves. And you know, you just soldier up and you do your best...”

Cristina’s approach to conservation photography is to document in a way that inspires action, not fear. Rather than focusing on fading ecosystems and the damage already caused by climate change, her work highlights the beauty that still exists, captures the wonders of nature, and the diversity of creators and cultures across the planet.

Despite the setbacks and the overwhelming scale of the climate crisis, Cristina uses her art to offer hope and a vision for what’s still possible. This mindset is what led to her latest book, Hope. What began as a personal project in disheartening times, is now a collection of stories she's documented throughout her career. It contains images from around the world that remind us to hold onto this feeling, and keep doing our part.

Having experience firsthand, the power visual storytelling has in sparking change, Cristina has used her platform to support others on the front lines. In 2005, she founded the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) to provide support for photographers addressing environmental issues. Recognizing a gap in those with the skills and experience necessary to tackle ocean stories, she later Co-founded SeaLegacy, a non-profit focused on ocean conservation stories.

Cristina believes art is a powerful form of activism and draws inspiration from artists using their platforms for positive change. She is a fan of Banksy, Amanda Gromon, and the music of Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam, and The Lumineers. Cristina also shared that her favorite animal is the octopus, because of their incredible intelligence and almost alien-like nature.

Her art showcases the power visual storytelling has in capturing attention, uniting communities, and evoking empathy. It serves as a reminder that we’re not the only passengers on this spaceship called Earth. We have a shared responsibility, and there’s no back-up plan. Take care of our spaceship.