Wildlife Photojournalist & Ornithologist; Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker; National Geographic Contributor; Co-Founder of Birds-of-Paradise Project

Lexington, MA, USA
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Tim Laman Biography

Tim Laman is an American ornithologist, wildlife photojournalist, filmmaker, and conservationist whose career has spanned some of the most remote and biodiverse regions of the world. After conducting research in Borneo's rainforest canopy for his doctoral studies at Harvard University, Laman began using photography and film to document rare and endangered wildlife and to highlight Earth's wild habitats. As a research associate in the Ornithology Department at Harvard University, Laman has emphasized the role of visual storytelling in advancing wildlife conservation and public awareness.

Laman is recognized for his collaboration with Cornell Lab of Ornithology biologist Edwin Scholes, during which he documented all 39 species of birds-of-paradise through 18 expeditions to remote mountain rainforests, primarily in New Guinea. Their work resulted in the book, "Birds of Paradise: Revealing The World's Most Extraordinary Birds," published by National Geographic Books. The project was also featured in a National Geographic Channel documentary, a National Geographic article, and a traveling museum exhibition, all aimed at supporting bird and rainforest conservation. Laman is a co-founder of the Birds-of-Paradise Project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and works with the Center for Conservation Media to produce content focused on bird and forest conservation.

Laman has published 24 feature stories in National Geographic magazine and contributed to films for National Geographic, BBC, and Netflix. His cinematography credits include BBC's "Planet Earth II," Netflix's "Our Planet – Jungles," Netflix's "Dancing with the Birds," BBC's "Seven Worlds – One Planet," Netflix's "David Attenborough: A Life on Planet Earth," and BBC's "Life in Color with David Attenborough." His work on "Our Planet – Jungles" was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Cinematography.

Laman has received multiple honors in wildlife photography and conservation. He was awarded the Wildlife Photographer of the Year title for his image "Entwined Lives," as well as the Portfolio Award for his "Birds-of-Paradise" images and the Wildlife Photojournalist – Story category for his portfolio "Tough Times for Orangutans." He also earned First Place in the Nature Story category at World Press Photo for "Tough Times for Orangutans" and received the Outstanding Nature Photographer award from the North American Nature Photography Association. Laman is an associate of Harvard University's Museum of Comparative Zoology, a fellow of the Explorer's Club, a founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers, and co-founder of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Birds-of-Paradise Project.

As a speaker, Laman presents wildlife photography and conservation stories to audiences, sharing images and experiences from fieldwork for National Geographic. He has participated in national speaking tours and led expeditions as a National Geographic Expert, teaching photography and natural history in locations such as the Galápagos, Antarctica, South Georgia, Botswana, and Rwanda. Laman's work continues to contribute to the fields of ornithology, wildlife photography, conservation filmmaking, and environmental education.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

Tim Laman Speaking Topics

  • Exploring New Guinea’s Lost Worlds

    With the most intact rain forest in the entire Asia-Pacific, New Guinea’s forests represent one of the last great wilderness areas on the planet. Over the past eight years, Laman has been exploring the island nation to document its incredible biodiversity, including birds of paradise and bowerbirds, as well as rarely seen species from the “lost world” of the Foja Mountains such as a spike-nosed frog and the world’s smallest kangaroo.

  • Canopy to Coral Reef: Adventures of a National Geographic Photographer

    From the ocean depths to the tops of the tallest trees, Tim Laman goes to any length to come back with the shot for National Geographic. In the course of shooting over 20 stories for the magazine in all kinds of places, Tim has created some really jaw-dropping images, all while having some pretty eye-opening experiences. In this inspiring and entertaining presentation, he shares some of his best photographs, as well as the trials and tribulations of life in the field.

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Tim Laman Videos

Tim Laman: Earth Day LIVE with Photo Journalist

Tim Laman: Earth Day LIVE with Photo Journalist

An interview with Tim, A discussion of Tim's Earth Day Charity Raffle, and your questions answered live.

Tim Laman: 'Tough Times for Orangutans' | World Press Photo Foundation

Tim Laman: 'Tough Times for Orangutans' | World Press Photo Foundation

"It’s a really amazing experience, to be that close to a wild orangutan... Sometimes they’ll look you in the eye and you really can see that...

Tim Laman & Ed Scholes: Birds of Paradise | Nat Geo Live

Tim Laman & Ed Scholes: Birds of Paradise | Nat Geo Live

In collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, photographer Tim Laman and Cornell University ornithologist Ed Scholes spend countless hours...

  • How do I book Tim Laman to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Tim Laman

    Speaking fees for Tim Laman, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Tim Laman are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Tim Laman, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Tim Laman speak about?

    Tim Laman is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Animals & Wildlife, Art & Design, Conservation, Environmental Activism, Photography, Television & Film
  • Where does Tim Laman travel from?

    Tim Laman generally travels from Lexington, MA, 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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Tim Laman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Exploring New Guinea’s Lost Worlds, Canopy to Coral Reef: Adventures of a National Geographic Photographer and Birds of Paradise: A Wonder of the World. The estimated speaking fee range to book Tim Laman for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Tim Laman generally travels from Lexington, MA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are David Mizejewski, Annie Griffiths, Mac Stone, Mireya Mayor and Rick Ridgeway. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Tim Laman for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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