May 11, 2025

Episode 144: Elodie Maillet Storm (CatchLight)

44 minutes

Exploring the Future of Visual Storytelling with Elodie Maillet Storm

Welcome to our latest episode, where we delve into the world of visual storytelling and photojournalism. In this weeks podcast, we explore insights from Elodie Maillet Storm, CEO of CatchLight, as she discusses the evolution of visual journalism and the innovative approaches CatchLight is taking to support this vital field.

Introduction to CatchLight

CatchLight is a pioneering visual-first media organization that leverages the power of visual storytelling to inform, connect, and transform communities. Under the leadership of Elodie Maillet Storm, CatchLight is addressing the challenges faced by visual journalists in today’s rapidly changing media landscape.

Elodie Maillet Storm: A Journey into Visual Storytelling

Elodie Maillet Storm’s journey into the world of photography and visual storytelling is both unique and inspiring:

Background in Philosophy and Journalism: Elodie studied philosophy in college and later pursued a master’s degree in journalism at Northwestern University.

Career Path: She began her career as a writer and transitioned into the world of photography, working with renowned portrait photographers and gaining insights into the business side of the industry.

Role at CatchLight: As CEO, Elodie is focused on leveraging images as powerful tools for communication and engagement.

The Mission of CatchLight

CatchLight’s mission is to harness the unique power of images to inform and engage audiences. The organization addresses the paradox of increased visual communication in society, despite the media ecosystem’s de-investment in visual journalism.

Key Challenges in Visual Journalism

Decline in Staff Positions: Between 2009 and 2019, the U.S. lost more than half of its staff visual journalists.

Economic Pressures: Traditional media faces economic challenges, leading to fewer commissions for freelance visual journalists.

Innovative Programs and Initiatives

CatchLight has developed several programs to support visual journalists and newsrooms:

Global Fellowship Program

Support for Visual Storytellers: Provides funding and mentorship to visual storytellers who engage audiences and contribute to the industry.

Notable Fellows: Includes photographers like Aida Muluneh, who is building institutions and platforms for African photographers.

Local Visual Desk Program

Partnership with Newsrooms: Places visual journalists in newsrooms to enhance visual capacity and audience engagement.

Successful Outcomes: Newsrooms have seen increased audience engagement and have retained visual journalists after the program.

Expanding the Reach of Visual Storytelling

CatchLight is committed to expanding the reach and impact of visual storytelling through:

Educational Initiatives: Developing curricula to advance media literacy and support the next generation of visual journalists.

Collaborations: Partnering with organizations like Report for America to place visual journalists in newsrooms across the U.S.

The CatchLight Visual Storytelling Summit

CatchLight hosts an annual Visual Storytelling Summit, bringing together photographers, journalists, and media professionals to explore the future of visual storytelling. The summit is free and open to the public, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field.

Conclusion

CatchLight, under the leadership of Elodie Maillet Storm, is making significant strides in supporting visual journalism and storytelling. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and educational initiatives, CatchLight is ensuring that the power of visual storytelling continues to inform and engage audiences worldwide.

For more insights and updates on visual storytelling, stay tuned to our blog and explore the transformative work being done by CatchLight and its partners.

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Photojournalism, podcast, Joe Giordano, Molly Roberts, Elodie Maillet Storm, CatchLight, John S. Knight Fellow, Media Innovation, Stanford University, Getty Images, visual storytelling, monetization of photography, social media, digital innovation, visual-first media organization, community engagement, philosophy, journalism, TV production, American Photography Magazine, portrait photographers, Icon International, Contour, image partnerships, media ecosystem, Instagram, Google image search, visual journalists, freelance, media literacy, nonprofit news organizations.

The post Episode 144: Elodie Maillet Storm (CatchLight) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

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