Photography has the power to connect, inspire and allow us to explore our world and what lies beyond it. Celebrate #NationalPhotographyMonth with these stunning photos made by or in support of #NatGeoExplorers and their impactful work: https://on.natgeo.com/3S0EcF6. Photo credits: Ashli Akins (1), Jason Gulley (2), Lucas Ninno (3) (fb)

Documentary photographer and #NatGeoExplorer Ore Huiying explores how the Mekong River, known in Laos and Thailand as “The Mother of Rivers,” is affected by climate change, dams, overpopulation and overfishing. “The nature of motherhood is to give — you sacrifice for your children and place their well-being above your own. But a mother’s resources are limited and finite,” Huiying shares. “My project has evolved into asking: what happens when the mother can no longer provide?” The evolution of this project was inspired by Huiying’s personal experience of motherhood. Through this lens, she hopes to tell the story of the Mekong River in a way that encourages and inspires action. Photos by Ore Huiying (fb)