Joel Sartore

Joel Sartore

Keynote Speaker: Conservation Photographer & National Geographic Contributor; Founder of the Photo Ark; Author

Joel Sartore Biography

Joel Sartore is a photographer, author, conservationist, and long-time contributor to National Geographic magazine whose work has influenced global perspectives on endangered species and wildlife conservation. Sartore began his photography career as a teenager and later majored in photojournalism in college. He worked for a newspaper before submitting his work to National Geographic, where he received his first assignment after two years of persistence. Early assignments introduced Sartore to nature photography and provided firsthand insight into human impact on the environment. In addition to National Geographic, Sartore's photography has appeared in Audubon Magazine, GEO, Time, Life, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated, among other publications.

Sartore is recognized as the founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark, a conservation photography project documenting species in captivity around the world. The Photo Ark began when Sartore paused his career to care for his wife, Kathy, during her illness, which inspired him to highlight the fragility of life and the urgent need for wildlife preservation. The project features portraits of animals photographed against black or white backgrounds, emphasizing the individuality and importance of each species. Sartore has photographed more than 17,000 animals in over 60 countries, advancing his goal of documenting global biodiversity.

The Photo Ark has been exhibited internationally, with images projected on landmarks such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Empire State Building. The U.S. Postal Service released Forever Stamps featuring Sartore's images to commemorate the Endangered Species Act. The documentary "RARE: Creatures of The Photo Ark" received the Best Conservation Film award. Sartore has encountered personal risks in the field, including interactions with wildlife and exposure to disease, in pursuit of impactful conservation photography.

Sartore's work has been recognized with the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year award, induction into the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography from the Sierra Club. He co-founded the Grassland Foundation, serves on the national board of Defenders of Wildlife, and is a founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers. Sartore's books include "Photo Ark: A World Worth Saving," "The Photo Ark Vanishing: The World's Most Vulnerable Animals," "Birds of the Photo Ark," and "RARE: Portraits of America's Endangered Species."

Sartore and his work have been featured on National Geographic's "Explorer," NBC Nightly News, CBS Sunday Morning Show, ABC's Nightline, NPR's Weekend Edition, PBS NewsHour, Fresh Air with Terry Gross, 60 Minutes, and the Today Show. The Photo Ark has been showcased in exhibits such as "Animals of Earth" at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C. Sartore is also a public speaker, sharing his field experience and insights on wildlife conservation and environmental photography with audiences worldwide.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Joel Sartore and other top speakers and celebrities.

Joel Sartore Speaking Topics

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 the 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.

Grounded: A Reflection on the Use of Life and Land

When Joel Sartore’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, this National Geographic photographer who had traveled the world for 18 years knew it was time to stay home. He reconnected with his family and with why he takes pictures in the first place: to show people that wild places and creatures on Earth need and deserve protection. In each life there is the potential for a positive change, and realizing it often starts very simply.

Joel Sartore Videos

National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore Discusses His Inspiration For The Photo Ark
Joel Sartore talks new book, ‘National Geographic Photo Ark Babies’
An Interview with Joel Sartore | National Geographic Photo Ark

How do I book Joel Sartore to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Joel Sartore for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Joel Sartore, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Joel Sartore or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Joel Sartore for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Joel Sartore, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Joel Sartore are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Joel Sartore, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Joel Sartore speak about?

Joel Sartore is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Environmental Policy, Conservation, Animals & Wildlife, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change, Environmental Science, Earth Day, Celebrity, Art & Design and Photography.

Where does Joel Sartore travel from?

Joel Sartore generally travels from Lincoln, NE, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Joel Sartore?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Joel Sartore for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Joel Sartore for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Joel Sartore or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Joel Sartore is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Environmental Policy, Conservation and Animals & Wildlife. The estimated speaking fee range to book Joel Sartore for live events is $30,000 - $50,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Joel Sartore generally travels from Lincoln, NE, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Michael Nichols, Sylvia Earle and Alexandra Cousteau. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Joel Sartore for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/07/2026.

Joel Sartore Speaking Topics

  • 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 the 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.

  • Grounded: A Reflection on the Use of Life and Land

    When Joel Sartore’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, this National Geographic photographer who had traveled the world for 18 years knew it was time to stay home. He reconnected with his family and with why he takes pictures in the first place: to show people that wild places and creatures on Earth need and deserve protection. In each life there is the potential for a positive change, and realizing it often starts very simply.

Joel Sartore Videos

National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore Discusses His Inspiration For The Photo Ark
Joel Sartore talks new book, ‘National Geographic Photo Ark Babies’
An Interview with Joel Sartore | National Geographic Photo Ark
Joel Sartore: Photo Ark | TEDxMidwest
  • How do I book Joel Sartore to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Joel Sartore for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Joel Sartore, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Joel Sartore or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Joel Sartore for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Joel Sartore, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Joel Sartore are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Joel Sartore, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Joel Sartore speak about?

    Joel Sartore is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Environmental Policy, Conservation, Animals & Wildlife, Environment, Sustainability, Climate Change, Environmental Science, Earth Day, Celebrity, Art & Design and Photography.
  • Where does Joel Sartore travel from?

    Joel Sartore generally travels from Lincoln, NE, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Joel Sartore?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Joel Sartore for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Joel Sartore for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Joel Sartore or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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