Adventure Photographer & Filmmaker; National Geographic Photographer Fellow; Author of "The Color of Everything"
Cory Richards Biography
Cory Richards is a photographer, filmmaker, author, and former professional alpinist whose work has spanned remote and challenging environments worldwide. Richards began his association with National Geographic Magazine through adventure features, documenting locations from Antarctica to the Russian Arctic. His early career ranged from controlled studio settings to expeditions in the Himalayas of Nepal and Pakistan, as well as unclimbed peaks in Antarctica, focusing on adventure, exploration, and the complexities of modern society. As a National Geographic Photographer Fellow, Richards has photographed mountains and wildlife in the Himalayas and Karakoram, Antarctica, Southeast Asia, and Africa. His photography has appeared in National Geographic Magazine, Outside, and The New York Times.
Richards became the first American to summit Gasherbrum II, one of the world's 8,000-meter peaks, in winter. During the descent, his team survived an avalanche, an experience he documented in the documentary "COLD," which was featured on the cover of the 125th anniversary issue of National Geographic Magazine. Richards has received the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year designation and has been named a National Geographic Photographer Fellow. He and his partner Adrian Ballinger climbed Everest without supplementary oxygen, utilizing Snapchat and social media for real-time storytelling in adventure and mountaineering. Richards is a two-time recipient of an Explorers Grant and has completed multiple feature assignments for National Geographic Magazine.
Richards' career has included overcoming addiction, homelessness, a near-fatal avalanche, and navigating bipolar disorder. He ended his mountaineering career at the base of Dhaulagiri after experiencing a mixed bipolar episode, choosing to pursue filmmaking and writing in Los Angeles. This decision marked a significant transition in his creative work.
Richards is the author of "The Color of Everything: A Journey to Quiet the Chaos Within" and "Bi-Polar: Photographs From an Unquiet Mind." His work explores themes of mental health, psychology, adventure, and conservation, highlighting landscapes, disappearing cultures, and personal and scientific insights. He has been recognized as National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and Artist in Residence at Oxford University.
Richards is a frequent keynote speaker at events such as SXSW and the World Economic Forum, addressing topics including conservation, mental health, leadership, risk, and vulnerability. His career in adventure photography, filmmaking, and public speaking continues to explore the boundaries of human experience and environmental storytelling.
Cory Richards Videos
The Climb Out of Pain is Taller Than Everest
What happens when we reach the top? There's only one place to go. Cory Richards has scaled the world's highest peaks and fallen to life's lowest lows.
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What topics does Cory Richards speak about?
Cory Richards is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Adventure, Adventure, Art & Design, Climbing, Health & Wellness, Mental Health, Non-Fiction Authors, Overcoming Adversity, Photography, Storytelling -
Where does Cory Richards travel from?
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Cory Richards is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Cory Richards for your event is available upon request. Cory Richards generally travels from Boulder, CO, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Josh Connolly, Dustin Grice, Ema Dantas, Kelly Slater and Nelly Attar. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Cory Richards for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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