Perhaps the greatest force behind marine photographer Bob Talbot's work is his strong
conviction that all living things should be recognized and respected. Throughout his years
working to photograph the whales and dolphins in the open seas, his goal has been to educate
the general public and make them aware of the endangered marine animal species, appreciate
the animals as he does and work for their protection. Working from a small, inflatable boat,
Talbot has been pursuing the great whales since 1977 when he went to the Pacific Northwest
to photograph Orcas in the wild. In order to capture the elusive moments when an animal is
perfectly poised against dramatic lighting, Talbot will often wait at sea for weeks before the
elements are aligned. Although his craft and meticulous technique remain unchanged, Talbot
now travels six months each year in search of his subjects to Australia, Canada, the Bahamas,
New Zealand, Antarctica, Mexico and Alaska.
The results the photographer's patient work have been published in many books and
magazines including Audubon, Geo, Omni, American Photographer, Natural History, Ocean
Realm, National Wildlife, Outdoor Photographer, BBC Wildlife and publications by Kodak and
National Geographic.
While primarily recognized as a still photographer, Talbot also has worked with film
since 1979, most recently as the wildlife cinematographer on the Warner Bros. 1993 release
"Free Willy." In addition, his credits include several Cousteau Society specials including
"Tragedy at Valdez," documenting the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and several programs for network
television, PBS productions and the Discovery Channel.
Talbot donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of his posters to the Whale and
Dolphin Conservation Society and the American Oceans Campaign and continues to work with
the Cousteau Society and International Wildlife Coalition and others by donating images, time,
funds and a voice. "Since the beginning of life as we know it, the sea has supported our planet.
From it has come the air we breath, the food we eat, and the water we drink. In short, the sea
has given us life. Perhaps it's time we returned the favor."
BIRTHPLACE: New York, NY
EDUCATION: Studied with the late Edward Born
Brooks Institute of Photography - Honorary Masters
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