Holding On to Hope: Reflections for Earth Day
I still hold on to the belief that there is more good in this world than it’s easy to believe at times.
On assignment in Lahore, Pakistan for Green Apparel, a company leading the industry in sustainable manufacturing.
I’ve witnessed it in places both wildly remote and beautifully ordinary — from global communities rallying together to save endangered species, to hot tea and laughter being shared in places where even the simplest resources are scarce.
On assignment for LEWA Wildlife Conservancy who recently relocated 17 endangered Mountain Bongo back to Mount Kenya.
On assignment for Neverthirst in Ethiopia, where a young girl climbs over 40 feet down a deep embankment to fetch dirty water - all with the biggest smile on her face.
In my work as a photographer and filmmaker, I’ve been fortunate enough to capture those moments. From gliding across fan boats with Indigenous advocate, Betty Osceola for NatGeo, to camping under the stars along the Zambezi River as a team of passionate people work to protect over 109,600 hectares of pristine and diverse wilderness.
A portrait of Betty Osceola while on assignment for the Everglades episode of National Parks USA for NatGeo / Disney plus.
Documenting the Natural Capital team who were on a mission to save one of the most unique wilderness areas in Zimbabwe.
Across continents & cultures,
one thing is clear:
We are united by an unyielding hope — a shared question that takes on many forms: How do we save our planet?
What I’ve seen again and again is that the people fighting for this earth — whether through conservation, storytelling, activism, or community care — are some of the most passionate, generous, and quietly fierce people I’ve ever met.
This Earth Day, I’m reminded not just of the places I’ve been, but of the people I’ve met along the way - all carrying that same spark of hope.
It’s a powerful thing, and it deserves to be protected, nurtured, and shared.
TARA SHUPE
is a Humanitarian Photographer and filmmaker, constantly traveling with a camera attached to the hip and a notebook in her pocket. With the goal of not simply creating beautiful content, she approaches each story with intention, ethics and relationships at the forefront, resulting in powerful storytelling that nudge people’s hearts while challenging their actions.
