Joel Sartore

Joel Sartore is a photographer, author, conservationist, and long-time contributor to National Geographic magazine whose work has influenced global perspectives on endangered species and wildlife conservation. Sartore began his photography career as a teenager and later majored in photojournalism in college. He worked for a newspaper before submitting his work to National Geographic, where he received his first assignment after two years of persistence. Early assignments introduced Sartore to nature photography and provided firsthand insight into human impact on the environment. In addition to National Geographic, Sartore's photography has appeared in Audubon Magazine, GEO, Time, Life, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated, among other publications.

Sartore is recognized as the founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark, a conservation photography project documenting species in captivity around the world. The Photo Ark began when Sartore paused his career to care for his wife, Kathy, during her illness, which inspired him to highlight the fragility of life and the urgent need for wildlife preservation. The project features portraits of animals photographed against black or white backgrounds, emphasizing the individuality and importance of each species. Sartore has photographed more than 17,000 animals in over 60 countries, advancing his goal of documenting global biodiversity.

The Photo Ark has been exhibited internationally, with images projected on landmarks such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Empire State Building. The U.S. Postal Service released Forever Stamps featuring Sartore's images to commemorate the Endangered Species Act. The documentary "RARE: Creatures of The Photo Ark" received the Best Conservation Film award. Sartore has encountered personal risks in the field, including interactions with wildlife and exposure to disease, in pursuit of impactful conservation photography.

Sartore's work has been recognized with the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year award, induction into the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography from the Sierra Club. He co-founded the Grassland Foundation, serves on the national board of Defenders of Wildlife, and is a founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers. Sartore's books include "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."

Sartore and his work have been featured on National Geographic's "Explorer," NBC Nightly News, CBS Sunday Morning Show, ABC's Nightline, NPR's Weekend Edition, PBS NewsHour, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, 60 Minutes, and the Today Show. The Photo Ark has been showcased in exhibits such as "Animals of Earth" at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C. Sartore is also a public speaker, sharing his field experience and insights on wildlife conservation and environmental photography with audiences worldwide.