Joel Sartore

Joel Sartore is a National Geographic Fellow, award-winning photographer, and the founder of the Photo Ark, a groundbreaking 25-year documentary project dedicated to photographing every species living in the world’s zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. He speaks on conservation, the power of photography to drive change, and why saving species ultimately means saving ourselves. Joel’s work has documented endangered species and landscapes around the globe, showing audiences a world worth fighting for.

The Photo Ark
Joel created the Photo Ark to build a photographic record of global biodiversity before it disappears. The project has documented thousands of species and produced multiple books including RARE: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species, The Photo Ark, Birds of the Photo Ark, and his most recent release, Vanishing. His striking portraits of animals, from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals, have become iconic symbols of the conservation movement.

A Life Behind the Lens
Joel has contributed to National Geographic Magazine for decades and is a regular contributor to its most prominent features. He is also a sought-after teacher and mentor to emerging photographers. His additional books include Nebraska: Under a Big Red Sky and Photographing Your Family. His keynotes deliver visually stunning, deeply compelling presentations on conservation, the interconnection between species and human survival, and the role photography and innovation play in protecting the natural world.

Grounded: A Reflection on Life and Land

When his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, Joel knew that it was time to stay home for a while. In doing so, he reconnected not just with his family but also with why he takes photos in the first place.

Life as a National Geographic Photographer

Joel shares a lively, intimate, and humorous look at what could be the best (and worst) job in the world as he plays expedition leader, psychologist, medic, accountant, and coach, not to mention photographer. It’s all just another day at the office when you’re on assignment for National Geographic.

Building The Photo Ark

Go behind the scenes with Joel as he travels the globe to photograph the world’s most toxic, outrageous, colorful, and beautiful animals. Things can go wrong—and they often do—but getting up close and personal is what it’s all about.