No day is the same at Photo Ark

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

At the Museon in The Hague, you can see 'The National Geographic Photo Ark' by photographer Joel Sartore (1962) until 10 June 2018. He captures animals as ambassadors for the preservation of biodiversity.

It is a moving and visually powerful project featuring studio portraits of animals, focusing on the photography of endangered species. Sartore photographs each species against a black or white background.

This gives them all equal weight, from a tiny frog to a mighty elephant. With Photo Ark, the photographer wants to inspire people to protect these animals.

Short photo sessions

Fabric photo tent

A flexible sheet of white plastic or black velvet makes most animals stand out well. For the very largest animals, such as a bison or elephant, a wall and the floor often have to be painted.

Zoos usually use paints without harmful substances for this, which can easily be removed afterwards. The lighting is tested and cameras and video equipment are set up. Only once it is certain that the star can shine is the animal brought in.

Humour

Joel has also become an expert at clearing things up in the blink of an eye, and manages to retain his sense of humour when a chimpanzee destroys a painstakingly assembled background.

But getting dirty or having to start again is nothing compared with the effort it takes to get the animals' attention. Joel: When I am old, I hope to be able to smile at myself in the mirror, thinking that I have made a real contribution.

Long after my death, these images will still contribute every day to saving species. That is my main goal in life.

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