Ms. Karen Zieff is a fine arts-trained professional photographer and conservation advocate with over two decades of experience in social and environmental philanthropy. She founded her photography studios in Los Angeles in 1995 and New York City in 1998, building a worldwide client base over a twenty-year career with a focus on event photography and private client work. Her work has been exhibited internationally.
Ms. Zieff’s involvement in conservation began in 2003 when she donated her photography services to WINGS WorldQuest, where she was inspired by the extraordinary women working in the field. Over a 23-year association with WINGS — including sixteen years as a board member and four as Chair — she spearheaded key initiatives, developed new programming and organizational structure, and helped steward the organization and its network of over 200 grantees.
Ms. Zieff holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), studied academics at Brown University, and attended the Studio Arts Center International in Florence, Italy, where she also taught. Ms. Zieff joined the Centre for Wildlife Studies Board in 2026.
