Photo Ark ~ Joel Sartore photographer

Although he does not know it, Joel Sartore a contributing photographer for National Geographic, is a much admired mentor. About a year ago, with my photo skills a work in progress, I decided to learn digital photography. I was given a National Geographic DVD set called “Foundations of Photography” with Joel as the excellent instructor of the course. Each class has an assignment to practice the skills taught. Sessions are not technical as much as they are about learning how to “see”.

Swan Image copyright Barry Bosold, generous DVD “giver”, took the courses with me.

When I learned that Joel has a 20 year mission called Photo Ark to document endangered species, he also had my loyalty as a fan for taking care of the planet. His goal is to educate people on the human impact now and in the future.

“For many of Earth’s creatures, time is running out. Half of the world’s plant and animal species will soon be threatened with extinction. The goal of the Photo Ark is to show what’s at stake and move people to save species while there’s still time.”

“Photography can do a huge service in two ways. It can expose environmental problems as nothing else, and it can help get people to care.” ~ Joel on Mother Nature Network

“They say that people will only save what they love. And they certainly can’t love something if they don’t know it exists. That’s where these photos come in. By isolating animals on black and white backgrounds, we can look them directly in the eye and quickly see that these creatures contain beauty, grace and intelligence. Perhaps some even hold the key to our very salvation.” ~ Joel, PhotoArk

Joel’s ideas on what you can do to help: Support zoos that have rare species conservation and become a member. Don’t use chemicals on the lawn that wash into streams and kill amphibians. Water lawns less, mow less to save on carbon emissions. Buy things that are recycle-able so less ends up in landfill. Eat locally grown foods, it saves on transportation fuel burning. Check out National Geographic sponsored PhotoArk.com to learn more.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead

See Joel Sartore’s photography and youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49lzBOB4HB4

This 20 minute video is well worth your time and entertainment.

On photography and biodiversity efforts, Joel is a role model and a mentor. One person can make a difference. See more of Joel’s Photo Ark on Facebook .

Image courtesy of Joel Sartore website.