Carlton Ward Jr.

Carlton Ward Jr. is a conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer whose work focuses on the natural environment of Florida. Ward’s mission centers on inspiring appreciation and protection of Florida’s native ecosystems and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the state’s threatened wilderness.

Ward began his career with the Smithsonian Institution in Central Africa, which led to his first book, "The Edge of Africa," and a photography exhibit with the United Nations. He later shifted his focus to Florida, drawing on eight generations of family heritage to highlight the state’s unique natural landscapes. Ward published "Florida Cowboys," which received recognition at the Florida Book Awards, and founded the Florida Wildlife Corridor project. Alongside Mallory Dimmitt and Joe Guthrie, Ward has traversed more than 2,000 miles through the Florida Wildlife Corridor during National Geographic-supported expeditions, resulting in books, PBS films, and outreach efforts supporting conservation in Florida.

Ward is the founder of Wildpath, a conservation and media company dedicated to using storytelling to protect land, water, and wildlife and to advance conservation policy. Wildpath launched the Path of the Panther project, which contributed to the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act and helped secure significant funding for land conservation. The documentary film "Path of the Panther," featuring Ward’s work, is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, and is accompanied by a National Geographic book of the same title.

Ward’s honors include the Conservation Leadership Award from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, recognition as a Florida Icon by Florida Trend magazine, and serving as the Rolex Artist in Exploration with the Explorers Club. Ward is also a founding fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Ward’s photographs are exhibited and collected widely, and have appeared in publications such as Audubon, Smithsonian, Nature Conservancy, and National Geographic. His photography and fine art prints are available through his website and studio in Tampa. Ward continues to advocate for conservation in Florida and leads Wildpath’s campaigns to protect wildlife corridors in the Gulf of Mexico, throughout the Americas, and beyond.