Frans Lanting
Frans Lanting is a legendary National Geographic photographer whose iconic images and stories reveal the wonder, beauty, and unity of life on Earth.
Environmental Pioneer
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Monterey Bay Keeper
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Knight for Nature
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Environmental Pioneer • Monterey Bay Keeper • Knight for Nature •
More about Frans
Frans Lanting's influential work as a photographer and author has helped create leverage for conservation efforts ranging from local initiatives to global campaigns.
Born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Frans is considered one of the greatest photographers of our time. His work has transformed wildlife photography, and has appeared around the world in books, magazines and exhibitions.
Frans served as the Photographer-in-Residence for National Geographic and has experience spending weeks in remote environments to capture rare views of some of the world's most fascinating, rare and–often–endangered animals.
He serves as an Ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund Netherlands, the National Council of the World Wildlife Fund USA, and the Leadership Council of Conservation International–just a fraction of his ongoing commitment to promoting conservation efforts worldwide.
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Well-known publications include, among others: Madagascar: A World out of Time, Penguin, Bonobo: The Forgotten Ape, Jungles, Eye to Eye: Intimate Encounters with the Animal World, Into Africa, and Bay of life: From Wind to Whales.
Together with his partner, Chris Eckstrom, Frans’ mission is to “promote knowledge and understanding about the earth and its natural history through images and ideas that convey a passion for nature and a sense of wonder–and concern–about our living planet.”
Speaking Topics
Leadership
Conservation
Exploration
Nature
Watch Frans in action
Presentations
Bay of Life: From Wind to Whales
California’s Monterey Bay, America’s richest biodiversity hotspot, is Frans and Christine’s backyard. A century ago, clear-cut Redwoods and wildlife crises pushed it to the brink. Today, it stands as a testament to ecological recovery. On stage, Frans and Christine share this inspiring story, showing how damaged ecosystems can be restored when people care, act, and work together.
In the Spirit of Shackleton
After more than 20 photographic journeys to Antarctica, Frans Lanting captures its frozen grandeur, spectacular wildlife, and gripping exploration history. From sailing around South Georgia Island to camping on sea ice near where Shackleton’s Endurance was trapped in the ice, he retraces historic expeditions and honors photographer Frank Hurley’s iconic images, bringing alive survival, adventure, and the wild beauty of “The Ice Continent.”
“My work is a tribute to the kinship of all life on Earth.”
– Frans Lanting