Portraits by Christopher Erin and Erica Jordan
LISA KRISTINE
Humanitarian photographer Lisa Kristine has documented humanity is more than 150, meeting people at the level of the heart. Lisa champions causes such as indigenous wisdom, global unity, and modern slavery, mobilizing resources, amplifying awareness, and fostering education, all in pursuit of a singular mission: to spark profound shifts in our global community.
Through the sale of her captivating photographic work, Lisa ingeniously converts art into resources for change. A photograph becomes a catalyst for support, as admirers acquire her pieces, knowing that their contributions are directly aligned with a cause worth supporting.
Lisa takes her advocacy to another level by actively engaging with audiences at various events and speaking engagements. With eloquence and passion, she brings the stories behind her images to life, leaving an indelible impact on those who listen. Her ability to convey the urgency and importance of the causes she supports transforms her words into a call to action. Audiences are not only moved by her images but also inspired to contribute their resources, time, and energy to make a tangible difference in the world. Lisa has addressed audiences worldwide, including at the United Nations, Parliament, Nobel Summits, Davos, and the Vatican. Her TED talk, “Photos That Bear Witness to Modern Slavery,” has garnered over three million views.
Lisa’s work has been described by David Clarke, former Head of Photography at the Tate Modern, as “a testament to truth and an insightful and inspiring body of evidence which should never and can never be denied.”
Her work has received endorsements from figures such as Pope Francis, The Dalai Lama, and Amnesty International. Among several awards, her powerful work earned her a Lucie Humanitarian Award, presented at Carnegie Hall, honoring the greatest achievements of master photographers. The Photographic Society of America selected Lisa as the recipient of the IUTP Award honoring significant contributions to the advancement of understanding among people and its unique impact on the world through photography. Recognized worldwide for her profound images raising awareness about modern-day slavery, Lisa is the recipient of the Global Sustainability Hero Award presented at the Dubai World Expo for her commendable achievements.
Sir Richard Branson lauds her ability to “take us behind the veil to respect human dignity for those from every walk of life.”
In 2017, Lisa founded the Human Thread Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at eradicating human trafficking and promoting human dignity. Lisa is a partner with the United Nations’ International Labor Organization’s 50 For Freedom Campaign, contributing to the ratification of the Protocol on Forced Labor by 50 countries. Her impactful photographs fueled the ‘Make a Stand Lemonade’ movement, mobilizing over 100 million people and raising more than one million dollars for the eradication of slavery. Lisa is a founding member of the Global Sustainability Network, an organization committed to a world without slavery and decent work for all.
In addition to the multiple notable museums that have exhibited Lisa’s work, Pope Francis personally inaugurated Lisa’s exhibition at the Vatican in 2019, a monumental acknowledgment of her humanitarian efforts. In 2024, Lisa showcased her artwork through an impactful art installation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. During this VIP event, Lisa engaged in a compelling conversation alongside Princess Eugenie of York, Former Prime Minister to the UK, the Honorable Theresa May, and HPE’s COO, John Shultz, effectively bringing the harrowing issue of Modern Slavery to the forefront of the global stage. Lisa’s work has been featured in prominent publications and media outlets such as CNN, National Geographic, The Atlantic, Reuters, The Daily Mail, Forbes, and numerous others.
Lisa is the subject of four documentaries, and her work on slavery is featured in three films. The feature film SOLD, made by Oscar award-winning team Emma Thompson and Jeffrey Brown, stands as a testament to her enduring commitment to effecting positive change through her lens.
“I want the people who experience my work to have the opportunity to gaze into the eyes of the other and find there a familiarity,” says Lisa. “I want to welcome them into the exploration of our mysterious lives with a spirit of curiosity, astonishment, and hope.” Her work is a gateway to compassion and wonder, a testament to the power of the human spirit.
