Banner outside National Geographic headquarters beckons to the Sharks exhibition.

Three photographers we profiled in June – all have prolific careers with National Geographic and independent projects – are linked in this portal for a good read. What drives their creativity? Their passion for nature, discovery, and sharing their vision:  it’s vital to protect species from extinction and keep “the wild” in our oceans, wilderness, deserts and savannas.

Brian Skerry is a fearless underwater photographer who swims with just about everything that moves in our oceans –sharks, 60-ton whales the size of a school bus, dolphins, and penguins.  While you’re reading, check out his new exhibition and book. He’s passionate about saving sharks!

Photo spread in National Geographic (April 2016) shows a fraction of the thousands of species that have “sat” for portraits in the Photo Ark.

Joel Sartore’s Photo Ark mission – portraits of over 12,000 captive species in zoos and nature reserves worldwide – asks us to do more than look at extinction in the making. His mantra: together, we can do something! Learn about Joel’s summer  2017 exhibitions, his newest book, and a 3-part PBS TV series in July and August.

Emperor Penguin and chick. The parent steadies the chick on his feet to keep it from getting chilled. Copyright Frans Lanting. lanting.com

Frans Lanting’s 40-year career spans every continent and untold species he has captured, often up close and personal. His philosophy:  “The perfection I seek in my photographic compositions is a means to show the strength and dignity of animals in nature.”  His lyrical interpretation of life on Earth from the Big Bang to today —a 7- year odyssey — continues to inspire.