Joel Sartore, born in 1962 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, launched his photography career after earning a journalism degree from the University of Nebraska in 1985. He spent over 30 years with National Geographic, where his Photo Ark project, started in 2005, became a defining milestone, documenting over 17,000 species to combat extinction. His images stand out for their high-contrast clarity and crisp detail, often isolating subjects against black or white backdrops to highlight their unique textures.
- Primary Genres: Wildlife Photography, Conservation Photography
- Primary Photography Style: Straight Photography (studio, high-contrast: sharp blacks and whites for striking visuals), Documentary (engaging, direct: real moments with emotional pull)
- Key Message: Sartore photographs species to inspire conservation, using stark, intimate portraits to showcase biodiversity and urge action against extinction.
Sartore’s work centres on endangered or vulnerable animals—think pandas, frogs, or insects—often photographed in zoos or his portable studio. His unique aesthetic hinges on high-contrast setups, using black cloth or white Plexiglas backdrops to strip away distractions and focus on textures like scales or feathers.
He relies on digital cameras, such as the Nikon D850 with macro lenses (e.g., 105mm), and studio strobes with softboxes for even, diffused lighting. This can take hours per subject, ensuring every detail—from a gleaming eye to a fur strand—pops. In editing, he uses Lightroom to boost contrast and colours naturally, presenting his work in large prints (up to 40×60 inches) or books like The Photo Ark (2017), each image a conservation plea.
For intermediate photographers, Sartore’s style offers a lesson in control and simplicity. He opts for digital over film for instant feedback, vital when working with unpredictable animals, and his high-contrast technique echoes the zone system’s tonal precision, amplifying emotional impact. His approach teaches how minimalism—plain backgrounds, deliberate lighting—can make a subject’s essence stand out, turning a simple portrait into a powerful story.
What sets Sartore apart is his blend of art and advocacy. By removing context, he forces viewers to meet each animal eye-to-eye, sparking empathy. His compositions often centre on the face or profile, paired with meticulous lighting and editing, making every image both beautiful and urgent—a call to protect what’s at risk.
- Accolades:
- National Geographic Photographer-in-Residence
- Emmy Award for Rare: Creatures of the Photo Ark (2010)
- Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP)
- Conservationist of the Year, Indianapolis Prize (2018)
- Trivia:
- Reached his 17,000th species in 2023 for the Photo Ark
- Built his Photo Ark studio in his basement for total control
- Loves photographing frogs for their quirky charm
- Began the Photo Ark after his wife’s cancer diagnosis, seeking lasting impact
Lessons from this Photographer:
Sartore’s work shows how simplicity and purpose can elevate photography. His plain backdrops and precise lighting cut through noise, letting the subject shine—a trick photographers can use to boost impact with clean compositions. His patience and focus on connection teach the value of interacting deeply with subjects, while his advocacy mindset pushes shooters to tell stories that matter. Experiment with his high-contrast style or intentional framing to add weight to your own work.
Website and Instagram:
- Website: https://www.joelsartore.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelsartore/
YouTube References:
“Beautiful photos of animals facing extinction | Joel Sartore | TEDxMidwest” by TEDx Talks – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHf-Pft_5Bs
Citations:
- Photographer’s Official Website: https://www.joelsartore.com/
- Joel Sartore article by National Geographic – https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/explorer-profile-joel-sartore/
