Amanda Koster (amandakoster.com) is an internationally acclaimed documentary photographer committed to the advancement of human rights and cultural diversity in the arts. Koster studied photography in NYC at the International Center for photography and holds a BA degree in anthropology. Koster regularly shoots for publications such as New York Times, Newsweek, Fortune, People, Fast Company and Metropolis, etc. She works with design agencies and non-profit organizations (Doctors Without Borders, Action Against Hunger, United Way) around the world. In 2004, she was awarded a Lucie Award and 1st place photo essay by The Society of Professional Journalists for her project “AIDS Is Knocking”, a documentary about AIDS Orphans and widows in Western Kenya. Another award-winning long-term project “This Is Beautiful”, which has been exhibited around the world looks at body image and redefines the innate beauty of all women. Amanda has also worked extensively with youth media projects internationally, teaching photography as a tool for documentary storytelling creating a voice and outlet for underrepresented youth. Koster is a 2006 recipient of the GAP Grant and additionally “Money For Women In the Arts/Barbara Deming Memorial Fund” for her project Moroccan Women’s Song Project. The project, collaboration with Festival Fès, documents female Berber and Arab Musicians of Morocco with hopes to spark an interest in this region and also show that there is more than one image of Women in Islam. Amanda will be featured as 1 of 50 women in the upcoming book: “In Their Shoes.” (by Deborah Reber, publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2007) The book will give teen girls the real scoop on different careers through intimate day-in-the-life-of profiles of women who are thriving in their fields. The goal is to arm a generation of girls with the information and the inspiration to make smart choices and realize their dreams. Koster is faculty at the Photographic Center Northwest in Seattle,WA.