National Geographic photographer, speaker, and Photo Ark founder
I’m Joel Sartore.
Ever wonder about those wildlife photographers who risk life and limb to get the perfect shot? That’s me. I’ve spent 25 years with National Geographic—and I’ve got the stories and scars to prove it. These days my focus is on the Photo Ark, the world’s largest collection of animal studio portraits. My goal is simple: to get the public to care and save species from extinction.
- 6,531 species photographed for the Photo Ark
A modern-day Noah
- 1 porcupine on the cover of
National Geographic
- 4 times chased by grizzlies
- 250 talks given worldwide
- 2 spitting cobras found in camera gear
Speaking Engagements
“Joel never fails to dazzle.”
Known for his sense of humor and incredible stories from the field, Joel is a popular speaker with conservation, corporate, and civic groups.
Hire him to entertain and inspire your audience.
Recent Talks
Joel is the founder of the Photo Ark, a 25-year effort to photograph every species in human care around the globe.
Joel Sartore News
How To Become A Pollinator Hero
The monarch butterfly is a declining species that we can save together by pledging not to use herbicides and pesticides on our lawns, and by planting milkweed for butterflies to lay their eggs on. Order your milkweed seeds and partially grown plants called ‘stems’ from Monarchwatch.org or from your local plant nursery. Plant them and…
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