"We have to do
something about this” is a phrase often heard while in the company of Joel
Sartore. A National Geographic photographer and passionate conservationist,
Joel is not only known for his charming sense of humor and mid-western work
ethic, but also for the intense sense of responsibility he feels to preserve
all things wild through his photography.
A journalism graduate from
the University of Nebraska, Joel started his photographic career at The Wichita
Eagle, and by the early nineties he had been recruited by National Geographic.
In addition to his delightful work on Americana, his keen interest in raising
awareness for conservation has led him to cover issues ranging from land use
and endangered species, to wildlife management and the demise of the American
prairie. Working both as a freelance and contract photographer, Joel’s images
have graced over 26 stories in National Geographic Magazine. The hopeful
outlook and remarkable wit he brings to his work is contagious, and his ability
to find the silver lining in every challenge is an inspiration. Four years
ago, when Joel’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, he went on a voluntary
“self-grounding”, setting aside National Geographic assignments to care for and
reconnect with his three young children. Once his wife was on the mend (she’s
fully recovered now) he eventually began doing studio portraits of animals at
local zoos. These portraits now number more than 1,500 species, some of which
have run in National Geographic Magazine in two separate stories; one on the
Endangered Species Act and the other on the amphibian extinction crisis
(alerting readers to the fact that 50% of all amphibian species worldwide are
at risk.)
Joel's work has also appeared
in Audubon, Life, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, Time and numerous book projects
including the Day in the Life series. Joel and his work have been the subject
of an hour-long PBS documentary entitled ‘At Close Range’, as well as many
other national broadcasts including National Geographic's Explorer and the CBS
Sunday Morning Show. Sartore has been recognized for his work by the National
Press Photographers Association, the Inland Daily Press Association, and the
Pictures of the Year International contest.
Joel's latest book,
published by National Geographic, is Rare: Portraits of America's Endangered
Species , featuring portraits of
some of the country's most endangered creatures, from polar bears to whooping
cranes.
