Nancy Richards Farese —
Photographer, Writer & Social Entrepreneur

Nancy Richards Farese is an award-winning documentary photographer, published author, and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing visual storytelling for social impact. As the founder of PhotoPhilanthropy (2009) and CatchLight (2015), she champions the role of photography and media in shaping civil society.

Visual Storytelling & Social Impact

Nancy’s work explores global social and political issues, collaborating with organizations such as CARE International, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), RefugePoint, and The Carter Center. Her documentary photography captures underrepresented communities and humanitarian challenges around the world.

Author of Potential Space

In 2021, Nancy published Potential Space: A Serious Look at Child’s Play (MW Editions), a visually rich exploration of the importance of play in child development across cultures. Her photography and writing have been widely exhibited and published in both academic and media outlets.

I Still Speak Southern In My Head: Exploring Identity Through Photography

Nancy’s latest project, I Still Speak Southern In My Head, is an award winning  photographic exploration of Southern identity, memory, and cultural narrative. Through visual essays and storytelling, the project examines what it means to be “Southern” in a changing America—honoring roots while reckoning with history. It reflects Nancy’s personal connection to the South and her broader mission to use photography as a tool for cultural inquiry and social dialogue.

Academic & Professional Background

Nancy is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the Harvard Kennedy School, where she was a fellow at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. Her research focused on visual journalism and public discourse. She earned her MFA from Maine Media College in 2023 with a thesis project titled Add|Mix|Fold.

Leadership & Board Service

Nancy serves as Board Chair of CatchLight and sits on the boards of the NPR Foundation, Southwire Company, and the F3 Charitable Foundation.

Location

She is originally from Carrollton, Georgia, and currently lives in Marin County, California.