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Joel Sartore      

National Geographic Photographer & Author

Joel Sartore is an award-winning photographer, speaker, author, conservationist, and the 2018 National Geographic Explorer of the Year. He is a regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine and an Eagle Scout. His hallmarks are a sense of humor and a Midwestern work ethic.

Sartore specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes around the world. He is the founder of the Photo Ark, a 25-year documentary project to save species and habitats. He and the Photo Ark are the subjects of the television series RARE, in which he documents some of the most endangered creatures left on Earth.

In addition to National Geographic, Sartore contributes to Audubon, Geo, the New York Times, and Smithsonian. He has several books, including Photo Ark: A World Worth Saving, The Photo Ark Vanishing: The World’s Most Vulnerable Animals, Birds of the Photo Ark, and RARE: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species.

He and his work have been the subject of many national broadcasts, including National Geographic’s Explorer, NBC Nightly News, the CBS Sunday Morning Show, ABC’s Nightline, NPR’s Weekend Edition, PBS Newshour, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, 60 Minutes, and The Today Show.

Speech Topics


Life as a National Geographic Photographer

Joel shares a lively, intimate, and humorous look at what could be the best (and worst) job in the world as he plays expedition leader, psychologist, medic, accountant, and coach, not to mention the photographer. It’s all just another day at the office when you’re on assignment for National Geographic.

Building The Photo Ark

Go behind the scenes with Joel as he travels the globe to photograph the world’s most toxic, outrageous, colorful, and beautiful animals. Things can go wrong—and they often do—but getting up close and personal is what it’s all about.

Grounded: A Reflection on the Use of Life and Land

When Joel Sartore’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, this National Geographic photographer who had traveled the world for 18 years knew it was time to stay home. He reconnected with his family and with why he takes pictures in the first place: to show people that wild places and creatures on Earth need and deserve protection. In each life there is the potential for a positive change, and realizing it often starts very simply.

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