Renowned Environmental & Documentary Photographer; National Geographic Contributor; Author of "High School USA"
Jim Richardson Biography
Jim Richardson is a photographer, writer, and educator known for his extensive work with National Geographic, where he has contributed to visual storytelling in documentary, environmental photography, and resource issues. Richardson began his career with college magazines and later contributed to publications such as Denver Post and The New York Times before joining National Geographic. He has photographed more than 30 assignments for National Geographic Magazine and an additional 20 for National Geographic Traveler, covering topics ranging from the flooding of the Great Salt Lake to global food security and environmental conservation.
Richardson’s expertise includes environmental and resource issues, water and food production, agricultural development, and the impacts of growth on human habitats. His work also explores the British Isles, Celtic culture, endangered grasslands, and global water challenges. His book, "High School USA," is recognized as a classic photo essay and is used in college classrooms.
A significant portion of Richardson’s career has focused on Scotland, where his photography captures the country’s rural landscapes, highlands, lochs, and islands. He has also produced a notable body of black-and-white documentary work about rural Kansas life. CBS News Sunday Morning has featured his ongoing documentation of small-town Midwestern life in Cuba, Kansas. His audio-visual presentation, "Notes from a Wide Spot in the Road," received the international Crystal AMI Award for excellence.
Richardson’s early documentary work on rural life and adolescence earned him recognition in the World Understanding contest and the Crystal AMI for best multimedia presentation. He was named "Photographer’s Photographer" by his peers at National Geographic and received an honorary doctorate from Kansas State University for his contributions to cultural and environmental communications. He was also named Kansan of the Year by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.
Richardson teaches workshops and seminars in the United States and internationally and leads groups for National Geographic Expeditions. He is a public speaker on travel, environmental conservation, and visual communication. Richardson is co-founder of Eyes On Earth, an educational initiative aimed at inspiring future environmental photographers. His work addresses global food security, light pollution, and the documentation of small-town America, reflecting a commitment to environmental journalism and visual storytelling.
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Jim Richardson Speaking Topics
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Saving the Night
Splendors of the night sky –– and what we must do to save it. Mankind has looked to the heavens for as long as we have been human. And now, barely 150 years since the invention of the electric light bulb we are in danger of losing sight of this great inspiration -- the night sky. In this program, drawn from our cover story for National Geographic Magazine, Richardson shows what we are losing and what we can regain from this great human heritage.
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Reflections from a Wide Spot in the Road
Small towns capture the American heart –– and teach us lessons of community and compassion. For nearly four decades Richardson has returned to one small town in the Great Plains of America, finding stories of enduring connections that touch our hearts. CBS Sunday Morning has profiled his work in this location twice, and National Geographic published an essay about this otherwise unsung place.
Jim Richardson Videos
Jim Richardson: 5 Tips for Travel Photography | B&G
National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson shares his 5 tips for destination and travel photography. How can you take better travel photos? What...
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What topics does Jim Richardson speak about?
Jim Richardson is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Agriculture, Art & Design, Culture, Environmental Activism, News & Media, Non-Fiction Authors, Photography, Storytelling -
Where does Jim Richardson travel from?
Jim Richardson generally travels from Lindsborg, KS, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Jim Richardson is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Saving the Night, Reflections from a Wide Spot in the Road, Feeding Our Hungry Planet and Scottish Obsessions. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jim Richardson for your event is available upon request. Jim Richardson generally travels from Lindsborg, KS, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Steve McCurry, Aaron Huey, Wade Davis, Karen Kasmauski and Jodi Cobb. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jim Richardson for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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