I came across the chimp video (below) on the Twitter stream for #explorersweek. It’s a funny reminder of the challenges of making a great photographic document, especially for National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore. He’s on a mission to highlight the plight of all wildlife on this planet. Along with other award winning photographic work, Joel makes wildlife studio portraits of, in his own words, ‘anything that will hold still on a background long enough for me to take a picture.’
Above are a few examples of the studio style of the 1800 incredible images he’s managed to capture so far, many in zoos, of animals large and small as part of The Biodiversity Project.
Why Studio Portraits?
‘Well, first, some of the species in the project simply can’t be found in the wild any more. Another reason for this portrait style is that it gives equal weight to creatures big and small. Some of the frogs I’ve photographed are the size of a thumbnail, and this is a way for me to put them on equal footing with bigger animals like lions.’
There are many more beautiful and compelling studio images over at www.joelsartore.com and while you’re there please show your support for the project by buying a print. They’re an absolute bargain and the funds will help Joel perpetuate this important project. If nothing else he deserves support for the hell he goes through getting them to ‘pose’…
Follow @joelsartore on Twitter
The Chimp Incident from Joel Sartore on Vimeo.
Expect the unexpected — especially when dealing with chimps. National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore learned just how quickly best-laid plans get tossed to the wind while on assignment at the Sunset Zoo for The Biodiversity Project.
