Annie Griffiths
One of National Geographic’s first female photographers, Annie Griffiths has always shared a sharp wit, curious eye, and compassion through her images—and now in her popular Substack—to illuminate how women have (sometimes quietly) been shaping the world and holding up half the sky.
Minnesota Nice
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Illuminator
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Ripple Maker
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Minnesota Nice • Illuminator • Ripple Maker •
More about Annie
One of the first women photographers to work for National Geographic, Annie Griffiths has traveled to more than 100 countries during her long career. When navigating any culture, Annie’s goal has been to share the vibrant tapestry of human experience. She has peered inside ancient civilizations for stories on Lawrence of Arabia, Galilee, Petra, and Jerusalem, often gaining access to worlds only a woman can enter. Despite differences in how we may live, pray, connect, love, and celebrate, Annie notes that all people want the same basic things: security, health, the dignity of work, and a brighter future for our children.
As a trailblazing photographer, author, and activist, Annie has worked on dozens of projects for National Geographic. Her work, often with people on the brink of survival, has reaffirmed Annie's faith in our collective ability to find and shine a light on solutions. This belief inspired Annie to create the nonprofit Ripple Effect Images, as a way to give back to the women who have welcomed her into their lives. Through a rockstar collective of prize-winning photographers and filmmakers, Ripple shared critical stories and raised millions of dollars for aid organizations.
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Annie has been awarded by the National Press Photographers Association, the Associated Press, the National Organization of Women, and the White House News Photographers Association. Named one of the “Best of the Best” speakers by the World Presidents Association, Annie has presented to audiences including the United Nations, AdobeMAX, The Skoll World Forum, and TEDx.
Speaking Topics
Team Dynamics
Exploration
Overcoming Obstacles
Culture
Watch Annie in action
Presentations
Available Light
At 25, Annie Griffiths became one of National Geographic’s first women photographers, turning gender into her superpower. Over three decades, she worked in 100+ countries—often with two kids in tow—documenting under-reported stories of women worldwide. With warmth and humor, Annie shares intrepid adventures across all seven continents, defying expectations and celebrating courage, curiosity, and the thrill of breaking boundaries.
Connect with Anyone, Anywhere
Get out of your comfort zone with Annie Griffiths, a woman that Glamour magazine calls a camera-toting badass. After a career spanning three decades—in 100+ countries—Annie knows how to navigate any situation. Whether working in a remote village or an urban jungle, Annie demonstrates how humor, body language, and deeper listening can build bridges.
You’re Not That Nice
“Nice” isn’t the same as kind—it’s a mask that can dull our spark and limit potential. In this witty, irreverent talk, Annie Griffiths shows how teaching kids, especially girls, to be nice can hold them back. She champions embracing true kindness instead, unlocking authenticity, courage, joy, and a fuller, safer, and more inclusive life for all.
"A simple act of kindness creates an endless ripple."
– Annie Griffiths