The Photo Ark

Product Description

The lush and unique photography in this book represents National Geographic's Photo Ark, a major initiative and lifelong project by photographer Joel Sartore to make portraits of the world's animals—especially those that are endangered. His powerful message, conveyed with humor, compassion, and art: to know these animals is to save them.

Sartore is circling the globe, visiting zoos and wildlife rescue centers to create studio portraits of 12,000 species, with an emphasis on those facing extinction. With a goal of photographing every animal in captivity in the world, he has photographed more than 6,000 already and now, thanks to a multi-year partnership with National Geographic, he may reach his goal. This book showcases his animal portraits: from tiny to mammoth, from the Florida grasshopper sparrow to the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Paired with the eloquent prose of veteran wildlife writer Douglas Chadwick, and an inspiring foreword from Harrison Ford, this book presents a thought-provoking argument for saving all the species of our planet.

Top Reviews

Buy this Book for Yourself, Your Kids, Your Grandkids!
by Susan Graham (5 out of 5 stars)
November 1, 2017

My first copy of this book was a gift from friends. When I opened it, I could not put it down until I had at least briefly seen every image, even though I had visitors. Each image of many diverse animals was compelling. The "animal portraits" were created against black or white backgrounds, eliminating all distractions from the animals themselves. Sartore knew he could not photograph such a wide range in the wild even if he had several lifetimes. With a goal to document animals alive on earth, and with many in decline and/or facing extinction, he knew the best chance would come from photographing animals in captivity and in breeding programs. That does not mean the photography was easy! As a photographer, I appreciated a series of vignettes scattered through the volume on "Making the Photographs." The images alone are reason enough to buy the book.

The collection of images was meant to convey messages about the fragility, beauty, and interconnectedness of life on Earth. It does that powerfully. I appreciated the interspersed vignettes on "Heroes" scattered throughout the volume.

A few reviewers stated that the paper and printing of the book were not of the quality they expected. Personally, I was both amazed and grateful that this beautiful book was available at a price many people could afford. A true art book would be beyond the reach of many people, which would defeat Sartore's purpose in creating the book. I'm quite satisfied with the quality of this volume.

I have now purchased this book as a gift for friends, who I know will share it and discuss it with their grandchildren. The next generation will painlessly learn about biodiversity and our responsibilities as caretakers of our Earth.

A wonderfully conceived and beautiful effort everyone can enjoy.
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A time capsule of great importance.....
by Nahemah Little Frog (5 out of 5 stars)
December 7, 2018

The Photo Ark arrived today from Amazon. After reading some of the reviews before which stated the printing quality was lacking resolution or detail ,I was concerned that the resolution quality would be lacking in fine detail or that the photos would be blurry, but the images seemed sharp to me. They were beautiful and the details amazing. I am an artist and took photography so I think I have an eye for such things, and it seemed fine to me. I am so glad I purchased this book to support such a beautiful project . It's so voluminous with so many creatures represented, it really is like Noah's Ark. What an inspired labor of love! I cried when I was looking at all the animals and thinking how amazing and beautiful they are and to think we humans are endangering them . As other reviewers stated, every family or classroom should have a copy. There are so many color plates in this book that I am amazed at the price for the quality. For folks who wanted better paper or better printing, the book would cost $100.00! The quality is beautiful and I am glad National Geographic published and produced it the way they did so it could find it's way into more hands and hearts.
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Truly Lovely and Mesmerizing!
by Siavash Mortazavi (5 out of 5 stars)
March 8, 2017

Wow! Truly lovely and mesmerizing! I want to rate this 7 out of 5.

Many thanks to Joel Sartore and NG for the production of this everlasting beauty! I've scanned through the book quickly, but later, I'm going to take my time to get lost between the folds of this colorful print, for hours. I hugely recommend this book to anyone who loves animals and appreciates beauty (We all do, don't we?).

By the way, it's a big book with thick pages, so mind the weight! ;-)
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Beautiful and meaningful
by P. L. Mclaughlin (5 out of 5 stars)
March 28, 2017

This is an amazing and life changing book. For anyone who treasures our community of living beings on Earth, this book will delight you. It reinforces the connection we have with other species and does so with the most magnificent photographs one can imagine. It will always be by my side.
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In the Author's own words, "he is a voice for the voiceless."
by K. Mcclure (5 out of 5 stars)
April 30, 2017

Stunning book. Not only were the animal photos the best I have ever seen, (In fact many of the animals were completely unknown to me) but the way the author presented them, giving each the significance they deserved. Joel's story about how he began and continued his immense journey and important work is a call to all of us to protect and be stewards of our beautiful home and all who inhabit it. II was so impressed with the book, I purchased a copy for each of my sisters, who are not much into the environmental movement.
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How wonderful....
by just wondering (5 out of 5 stars)
September 5, 2017

...It was for me to watch Joel on a PBS special working on this book, while with my parents at their cabin. As soon as I got home I looked for this book. I ordered one for my home to share with family and friends. I also ordered a second copy for my parent's that sits on their cabin coffee table and has been enjoyed by them and many visitors. Excellent purchase and quality...quick delivery...so happy!!!!!
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Save our planet
by ChefK (5 out of 5 stars)
July 1, 2017

After buying this book for a gift, I read every page! The animal photos, plus the artistry of the photographer are so spectacular. It seems like the animals are looking right at you from the page. I'll be buying more for gifts and my home. The most telling photo was a species where there were only four left in the world. Photographer Joel Sartore captured two of them on film.
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Wonderful collection, terrible resolution.
by Madame Michelle (3 out of 5 stars)
August 8, 2017

I was so excited to get this book as I have been watching Photo Ark on PBS. And although the collection of photos is stunning, the resolution of the vast majority of them leaves a lot to be desired. On my TV screen the photos totally blew me away but in print the fine details are lost. With today's technology they clearly could have been reproduced better. One reviewer complained that the paper is too thin, that isn't my experience. The paper is fine but the photos are a real disappointment.
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Good book
by Bo (3 out of 5 stars)
May 24, 2018

I watched the documentary film first, then decided to get the book. Lots close-up photos. It's good book but the quality of print isn't as good as I expected from National Geographic. Worst, It's hard cover book and it got banded like used book by the time I receive it in mail, but this has nothing to do with the content of the book.
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Best photo book on animals
by svampfru (5 out of 5 stars)
October 15, 2017

All the photos captured the animal's defining moment, with emotive power and poignancy, especially if you learn how many of them are endangered and border upon extinction. This might be the last chance for us to see them. The texts are well written too, with solid data and sound arguments. This book appeals to both the sense and the sensibility of humanity in its aspiration to broaden our existence to include those 'greater selves'. I am deeply touched. Joel will continue this life-long mission of the photo ark and I will purchase each book in this series. I wish more people could see it, read it and act upon it.

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