Nikon's "Legends Behind the Lens" honors Joel Sartore

NikonNet's latest "Legend Behind the Lens" honors wildlife and environmental photographer Joel Sartore, whose work has been featured in National Geographic and other publications for over 15 years. Sartore tries to give the viewers of his photograps a hopeful message, based on advice from former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani. You can learn more about Joel and his work from NikonNet.

Click on the headline of this article to see the Nikon press release.

NikonNet and 'Legends Behind the Lens' Pay Tribute to Joel Sartore This January

MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- In order to make a change, one must shed light on the issue at hand. This is the method used by Joel Sartore in his environmental photography. His work has been an influential force in creating awareness about the environment and the importance of protecting our natural surroundings. In celebration of his unique approach and remarkable dedication, NikonNet will honor Joel Sartore for the month of January in its inspiring monthly showcase, "Legends Behind the Lens."

For over 15 years, Sartore has photographed wildlife and the environment for National Geographic and other publications. Convincing people that there is a tangible, measurable and practical benefit to preserving the land and its inhabitants is, Sartore believes, the key to saving the wild places and the species that live there. Sartore realizes that a hopeful message is vital. "You can't get anyone to want to change the earth for the better if you're negative," he explains. Sartore remembers hearing a powerful piece of advice from the former mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani: "One of the things he said was that no one will do anything, take any action, if all you're telling them is that things are bad and there's no hope. If you're trying to lead, you have to find a positive message. That opened my eyes. People want to have reasons for hope. Hope is what motivates them." Sartore believes that change will come, but it is going to take time. "A camera is a great way to give a voice to the voiceless," Sartore remarks. "It's a way of showing people what's at stake."

Sartore did not set out to be an environmental photographer or, for that matter, work for National Geographic, for whom he is a contributing photographer. His degree from the University of Nebraska is in journalism, and he was a newspaper photographer for several years, handling general assignment work. It was the result of meeting National Geographic photographer James Stanfield that led Joel to send his portfolio to the magazine. At first his work with National Geographic was along the lines of Americana profiles. He worked his way into nature stories when he saw "the environmental destruction that was going on." In addition to National Geographic, Sartore has been published in Time, Life, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated.

"Joel Sartore has a clear passion for his work," notes Anna Marie Bakker, Director of Communications at Nikon Inc. "He has provided his audience with a unique view of the environment through photography and Nikon is pleased to honor him for the month of January."

The introduction of the Nikon D2X marked Sartore's move to digital. His preferred lenses are the 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX, 28-70mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S and 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkors, and the 400mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF- S II Nikkor. To learn more about Joel Sartore, visit NikonNet's "Legends Behind the Lens" series at http://www.nikonnet.com/legends.