NikonNet Pays Tribute to Joel Sartore, A New 'Legend Behind the Lens' for January

Nikon Press Release Summary:
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.

About “Legends Behind the Lens”

NikonNet’s “Legends Behind the Lens” series aims to educate users and, in turn, breathe excitement into photography.  Nikon has assembled a comprehensive and intriguing collection of artists to share their most incredible, challenging, emotional and exciting experiences on NikonNet.
This inspiring monthly program offers a behind-the-scenes look into the personalities and philosophies behind the world’s greatest and most famous photographers.  “Legends Behind the Lens” also offers portfolio galleries, as well as tips and tricks of the trade from featured professionals.
Past “Legends” in the series include Kevin Gilbert, Nancy Brown, Joe Buissink, Steven Weinberg, B. Moose Peterson, Eddie Adams, Jay Maisel and Howard Bingham.

About NikonNet:

NikonNet (http://www.nikonnet.com) is the web’s leading site for photography education, photo sharing and inspiration.  NikonNet leverages the resources of parent company Nikon Inc. to offer the most innovative and inspiring educational segments on the Internet.  Nikon’s suite of websites— http://www.nikonusa.com, http://www.nikonnet.com, http://www.nikondigital.com, http://www.nikonmall.com and http://www.nikonschool.com—connects consumers to the company’s products and services and links users to the most complete photography education and information community available on the web today.