Heather Khalifa is a freelance photographer based in New York. Her work often explores the intersection of sport, spectacle, culture, and identity. She previously worked as a staff photographer at the Philadelphia Inquirer, covering news, sports, entertainment, and features, while also working on documentary projects on immigration, education, religion, and health.
Heather earned her BA in Journalism from Stony Brook University and an MS degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, where she teaches as an adjunct professor. Before this, she taught a photojournalism course at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia that focused on documentary storytelling. She has participated in the inaugural Council on Foreign Relations Local Journalists workshop, the Missouri Photo Workshop (MPW 71), the Eddie Adams workshop XXXIV, and the 2025 New York Portfolio Review.
Her work has been recognized by American Photography 42 (Selected), the Emmy awards, the Sigma Delta Chi Awards, the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE), the National Headliner awards, the National Press Photographers Association, the NABJ Salute to Excellence awards, and the Paul Vathis Memorial Photography Portfolio award, among others.
When she’s not making pictures, she is likely practicing her barista skills or trying a new restaurant.
Heather is an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot and available for assignments.
Contact: khalifaheather@gmail.com, 516-474-7501.
Accidental selfie while photographing the Mayor on the El. Philadelphia 2024
Shadow before Eagles-Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Arlington, Texas