Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Diana Hulet. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Diana, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I recently returned from working with another photographer to document animal rescues during the Los Angeles wildfires. For days, I had been waking up in the middle of the night, worrying about people’s pets, wildlife, livestock, and other animals. Finally, I texted my colleague about traveling to LA to photograph and interview the community of rescuers who were on the ground, helping wherever they could. We made a plan and met there the following day.

We spent time with multiple organizations and individuals, enduring long days searching for pets in destroyed areas, setting out food for missing animals, and placing water stations for both pets and wildlife. The most remarkable aspect of working alongside these incredible people was how it served as an antidote to the helplessness I had felt at home. Additionally, my colleague and I had the opportunity to interview people affected by the fires and give them space to share their stories.

This experience is something I will always remember, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for the organizations and individuals we met.

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Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After two decades of teaching yoga and yoga philosophy, I pivoted my focus towards what had always kept my heart tethered to the world – animals. While my classes were always inspired by nature, the seasons, and often my beloved canine companion, Lita, I longed for a more direct route to encourage people to sense compassion towards animals and our beautiful yet rapidly changing planet. After returning to school to study climate change and environmental ethics, I felt more compelled to share stories of animals caught in challenging systems of harm, and also elevate the people and organizations working on their behalf. My work now is a tapestry of a few disciplines including animal photojournalism along with practices of self-reflection. I hope that through photographs, storytelling and meditation, I can offer a pathway where people feel a sense of interconnectness with other species, and align their actions and values to reflect justice and compassion for all beings.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Above all, the animals drive my journey. Whether it’s coyotes searching for water after escaping a wildfire or cows rescued from exploitation now living in sanctuary, my mission is to tell their stories.

If there is a goal, it’s to keep doing the work—while weaving the science of climate collapse more deeply into narratives about wildlife. A crucial part of this journey is learning to name the escalating crises we face while remaining open to dialogue. Grief and anger are natural responses, yet we must find ways to navigate these emotions so we can have real conversations about the path forward. We cannot stop at despair. We have to find support systems to move through the paralyzing thoughts and into individual and collective action.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

What I love most about being a creative is that each day offers an opportunity to deepen my connection to the world. While I cherish time in solitude, my work as a writer and photojournalist brings me into relationship with incredible people—individuals who wake up every day and do whatever it takes to help animals or advance conversations about climate collapse and biodiversity loss.

I also value how learning a new craft challenges my own narrative of perfectionism. At the same time, improving my skills as a photographer is essential—especially in fast-paced situations like documenting a rescue, where there’s little time to adjust settings or create the most ideal composition.

Being a creative means that life and work are inextricably woven together, and that feels most true to who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dianahulet.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianahulet/
• Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/dianahulet/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
• Other: https://dianahulet.substack.com/

Image Credits

Featured image by Thomas Machowicz