This blog is for people who want to be in the inner circle of one of the most unique and vast image collections in the world. Here you'll find images rarely seen by the public as well as the latest image additions from the field, and images that are fresh off of embargo. The latest and the best are highlighted here.
National Geographic Stock would specifically like to recognize three of our own – Carsten Peter, Joel Sartore, and Steve Winter – for each winning Awards of Excellence for their outstanding ability to captivate our minds with the wonderment of their craft. They all three won Awards of Excellence in the Science/Natural History Picture Story category of the competition.
In Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in north-central Vietnam, Carsten ventured with an expedition team determined to survey the recently discovered Hang Son Doong, meaning Mountain River Cave, after being halted in 2009 by a 200-foot-tall calcite wall they comically deemed the Great Wall of Vietnam. This time around, the team came prepared to ascend the wall. After 20 hours preparation and climbing higher they finally reached the top where, most likely, no human had ever been before. Once over the wall, the team could see light at the end of the passage, revealing the exit and a treasure trove of unusually large cave pearls. After the expedition and survey were completed, it was determined that Hang Son Doong is the largest cave in the world and because of Peter’s diligent passion and technical prowess we are able to witness the magnitude and beauty of the world’s largest cave discovered to date. To witness it yourself or license these images, click here.
A half-mile block of 40-story buildings could fit inside this lit stretch of Hang Son Doong. In nearby Loong Con (left), a climber ascends a shaft of sunlight. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. Image #1416112. Carsten Peter/National Geographic Stock.
As much as ever, Joel Sartore shows us a world of monumental worth in a region in desperate need of attention – Uganda’s Albertine Rift. As tectonic plates split the nation apart, so does the overhanging tension of a growing population’s fight for livable space. Places like the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of a population of 340 critically endangered Mountain Gorillas called Bwindi Gorillas, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its volcanic features such as crater lakes, are experiencing heavy resentment and protest from locals as one of the most densely populated places on Earth continues to grow. Sartore, with his unique vision and acute technique, gives us an important glimpse at this region in order to show us what’s at stake in the decades ahead. This kind of approach to photography is what makes Joel stand out from the rest and why POYi has recognized him for his truly amazing work. To see his work from Uganda, click here.
A tree-climbing lion stirs in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Image #1431979. Joel Sartore/National Geographic Stock.
This year, Steve Winter brings us to the forefront of the issues surrounding a cat in crisis – the tiger. Traveling throughout Thailand, Indonesia (Sumatra), and India, Steve provides an introspective cross-examination of the majestic beauty these animals possess, the violent and social threats of today and the future, and some of the valorous efforts being made to protect them and their environment. Despite the millions of dollars that have been spent on tiger conservation, their numbers continue to decline and dwindle. Through the power of his lens, Steve shines a new light on this issue, revealing best practices for conservation efforts and reminding us of our connection with this elegant animal. His proven ability and passion rises off the surfaces of these images, a rarity deserving of the POYi Award of Excellence. This story will be available for licensing on March 1st, 2012.
A tiger peers at a camera trap it triggered while hunting in the early morning in the forests of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Tigers can thrive in many habitats, from the frigid Himalaya to tropical mangrove swamps in India and Bangladesh. Sumatra, Indonesia. This story will be available for licensing on March 1st, 2012. Steve Winter/National Geographic Stock.
National Geographic Stock would like to give Steve Winter a viral round of applause for being the winner of the POYi Global Vision Award for the second year in a row! The Global Vision Award was created during the 2006-07 award season and is designed to recognize coverage of environmental, natural history, or scientific issues.
Steve was recognized for his work on the December 2011 National Geographic Magazine story “A Cry for the Tiger,” which documented the beauty of these beasts, the ongoing and potential threats to their shrinking population, and the honorable and respectful work being done to save these animals. He trekked throughout Thailand, Indonesia (Sumatra), and India in order to give the world a closer look at the front lines of the battles being fought over these tigers. This story will be available for licensing on March 1st, 2012, but until then, you can see photos from this story here.
Recently featured photographs in National Geographic Magazine are now available for licensing.
Joel Sartore’s Award-Winning Coverage of Uganda’s Albertine Rift
Despite years of civil war and competition for resources and land, nature has never been more beautiful in Uganda’s Albertine Rift. Joel Sartore captures and captivates, examining various kinds of wildlife in the region during a time when overpopulation is on the forefront of concerns for both Uganda’s citizens and animals. To see more of Joel’s coverage of Uganda, click here.
Water buffalo and mineral deposits along the shore of a crater lake. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda. Image #1431985. JOEL SARTORE/National Geographic Stock
After more than four decades since becoming a law, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 still safeguards hundreds of primordial waterways. Through Michael Melford’s imagery, we are given a glimpse into the present-day world of these protected waterways. As he was signing the Act, President Lyndon Johnson said “an unspoiled river is a very rare thing in this nation today,” and after looking through Melford’s photographs, it becomes obvious how very rare they really are. See more of Michael’s mesmerizing photos here.
The North Fork of the Koyukuk River. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Image #1443463. Michael Melford/National Geographic Stock.
Carsten Peter’s Collection of Canyons Down Under Australia’s Blue Mountains
Wedged between towers of earth, photographer Carsten Peter ventures with Australian canyoneers deep beneath the Blue Mountains of Australia. Once there, he descends through waterfalls, fords streams, and endures the elements in order to bring you images of this mystical world’s enchanting beauty and intriguing ecology. To see more of Peter’s photographs from the depths of Australia, click here.
Cascades of mammoth ferns flourish in the humid air trapped between the narrow walls of Claustral Canyon. First explored in 1963, the formation was named for its claustrophobia-inducing passages and ranks among the region's most visited canyons. New South Wales, Australia. Image #1426567. Carsten Peter/National Geographic Stock
Brian Skerry and the Rebirth of the Phoenix Islands
Because of a lethal spike in the temperature of local seawater during 2002-03, the coral reefs of the Phoenix Islands were hit hard with a bleaching disaster. Fortunately for this ecosystem, it’s survival was aided by the 157,000 square miles of marine protected area, which ultimately led to an abundant amount of fish in the region. Because this surplus of fish surrounding the islands existed, the rapid growth of seaweed and algae typical of coral bleaching was hindered due to the heavy consumption brought about by these high populations. Nearly a decade after the incident, photographer Brian Skerry travels to the Phoenix Islands to photograph the resurrection of this ecosystem. To browse more of Skerry’s vibrant Phoenix Island photographs, click here.
A green sea turtle glides over a wasteland of dead coral. Kanton Island, Phoenix Islands. Image #1361032. Brian Skerry/National Geographic Stock.
National Geographic Stock photographer, Matt Moyer, brings us to a refuge point of pleasure and tolerance – the Sinai Peninsula – wedged between a red sea of conflict. Once there, he shows us the many different cultures, religions, and nationalities populating and passing through the area. More importantly, his images capture the harmonious essence existing amongst the peaceful inhabitants of the region. More of Moyer’s photographs of the Sinai Peninsula can be seen by clicking here.
A Bedouin riding a camel through the Sinai Desert. Saint Catherine, Sinai, Egypt. Image #1217009. Matt Moyer/National Geographic Stock.
The National Geographic Society has been commissioning original pieces of art for over the last 100+ years. Most of the vast collection is available for licensing through National Geographic Stock.
Watch the video about the art collection or click here to see a sample of what’s available as stock.
A special tip of the hat to National Geographic Stock photographer, Carsten Peter for his dramatic coverage of the world’s largest cave passage, found in Vietnam.
These amazing images are available for licensing through NG Stock. Click here to browse through the collection.
Photographer Carsten Peter, on assignment climbing in Hang Son Doong, Vietnam. Image # 1364843 : Carsten Peter/National Geographic Stock
April 15th, 2012 marks the 100 year anniversary of the night that the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the freezing North Atlantic. National Geographic Explorer in Residence, Robert Ballard, discovered the ship’s wreckage in 1985 and National Geographic Stock has a unique collection of underwater images from the exploration of the site, documented by legendary photographer Emory Kristof.
Click here to see a workbox of images available for licensing (more high res available at client’s request).
Rusted prow of the R.M.S. "Titanic" ocean liner, sunk in the North Atlantic Ocean, 350 miles off Newfoundland after hitting an iceberg and sinking April 15, 1912. Image #131212 : Emory Kristof/National Geographic Stock
The crew of a research vessel celebrates finding the wrecked Titanic. Image #530453 : Emory Kristof/National Geographic Stock
Painting of the bow of the Titanic as plunges into the North Atlantic Ocean. Image #762774 : Raymond Wong/National Geographic Stock
The Old Post Office building on Pennsylvania avenue in D.C. has been looking for a new owner!
The building houses only a few government offices, some retail stores and restaurants. It has been in need of a make over and repair. With it’s beautiful stone facade and clock tower, it is one of the tallest buildings in D.C. and after many a sales pitch it will now belong to Donald Trump. Trump plans to turn the building into a luxury hotel: “of at least 250 rooms that would include conference space, a spa, restaurants and museum space focused on the history of the building.”
Below you can see two shots of The Old Post Office from the National Geographic Stock Collection:
Pano of D.C. with Old Post Office Building, and Washington Monument. Image #1140060: SAM KITTNER/National Geographic Stock
Pano of D.C. with Old Post Office Building, and Washington Monument, at night. Image #1140061: SAM KITTNER/National Geographic Stock
To read the entire Washington Post article on the Old Post Office click: HERE
LIFE: A Journey Through Time is a large scale project by National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting. The project involves a symphony performance combined with a series of photos from Frans going on, as the title implies, a journey through time. The images show views of earth back when it was lava and molten rock up to the diversity of life we see today. The production gives you a chance to view the world as a combination of science and nature through Frans’ beautiful photos and music.
The project also includes a large photo book, the above website, and a traveling exhibit!
Marin Alsop conducting the multimedia performance of Frans Lanting's LIFE
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The LIFE symphony is coming to the DC/Baltimore area this month with Marin Alsop conducting the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The schedule is below:
Friday, January 27, 2012, at 8:00 pm. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore, Maryland
Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 8:00 pm. Strathmore Music Center, North Bethesda, Maryland
Sunday, January 29, 2012, 3:00 pm. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore, Maryland
In addition, Carolyn Kuan will conduct the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a series of educational performances of LIFE in Baltimore.
Thursday, February 2, 2012, at 10:05 am. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore, Maryland
Friday, February 3, 2012, at 10:05 am. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore, Maryland
Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 11:00 am. Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore, Maryland
Below you can see just a few of the images included in this production:
The hottest Hawaiian lava type, pahoehoe, darkens into ropy strands. Image #759786 FRANS LANTING/National Geographic Stock
A flying frog (Rana pardalis) jumps toward a leaf in a Borneo rain forest. Image #73471 FRANS LANTING/National Geographic Stock
A group of Snares crested penguins, Eudyptes robustus, hang out on the kelp lined coast of Snares Island. Image #708143 FRANS LANTING/National Geographic Stock
A tuatara, Sphenodon punctatum, clings to a rock near New Zealand's shore.This reptile is a living fossil. Its appearance has changed little since the Jurassic period. Image #708119 FRANS LANTING/National Geographic Stock
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Frans speaks about his journey to photograph the types of images, ideas and parts of the earth he was really looking to encompass in this project:
“The simple idea of looking for the past in the present grew into a challenging photographic undertaking that extended over several years. My mission to capture images of nature that could evoke time and origins required lots of research and planning. I wanted to apply both new scientific ideas to my subjects and new photographic techniques to my images. On location, that often meant exposing cameras to all kinds of extremes…”
