David Yarrow
David Yarrow (born 1966) is renowned for his impactful, close-encounter photography of wildlife and the environment, producing images full of passion, drama, and empathy. His work is distinguished by a bold commitment to fieldwork—whether setting up camp in the Alaskan wilderness or locking himself in a cage surrounded by Siberian tigers, Yarrow consistently places himself in extreme situations to achieve his singular vision. Through patience, technical skill, and careful research, Yarrow creates images that carry both narrative depth and visceral intensity.
While much of his work captures wild animals in their natural habitats, Yarrow is equally known for his constructed photographs—elaborate visual productions often staged with celebrities, trained animals, and cinematic nods to classic Americana. These images blend spectacle with storytelling, offering a dramatic counterpoint to his more documentary-style wildlife work.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Yarrow began photographing at a young age. At just 20 years old, he found himself on the pitch of the 1986 World Cup Final in Mexico City as a photographer for The London Times, capturing the now-iconic image of Diego Maradona holding the trophy. This early success led to assignments at the Olympics and other major sporting events. Over time, however, Yarrow transitioned to wildlife and environmental photography, forging a new path by documenting the natural world from daring, often unseen perspectives.
Yarrow’s evocative and immersive imagery has garnered widespread acclaim and a strong following among art collectors. He is now recognized as one of the best-selling fine art photographers in the world. His work has been exhibited globally, including in the Saatchi Gallery in London, and is included in the collections of several major institutions and private collections worldwide.
His photographic books include Nowhere (2007), Encounter (2013), Wild Encounters (2016), and David Yarrow Photography: Americas Africa Antarctica Arctic Asia Europe (2019). His most recent book, Storytelling, features more than 130 images taken since 2019 and includes a foreword by cultural icon Cindy Crawford. Their ongoing collaboration has raised over $3 million for the UW Health Kids Cancer Care Charity.
Yarrow was shortlisted for the 2013 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award, and his photographic journeys have given him deep insights into pressing environmental and geopolitical issues. His commitment to conservation is evident in his long-standing work with Tusk, a leading African conservation organization, and other causes to which he has helped raise over $10 million. Today, David Yarrow continues to travel to some of the world’s most remote and majestic locations, using photography as both an artistic medium and a platform for advocacy.
Photography & Works
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David Yarrow
Wyoming Add to cart -
David Yarrow
66 Degrees North Add to cart -
David Yarrow
78 Degrees North II Read more -
David Yarrow
Bear Market Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Ghost Story Read more -
David Yarrow
Remains of the Day Read more -
David Yarrow
The Rolling Stones Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Kong Add to cart -
David Yarrow
The Old Man and the Sea Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Africa II Add to cart -
David Yarrow
After Mankind Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Before Man, Savute, Botswana Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Black Cat Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Colossus, Amboseli, Kenya Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Craig Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Dawn Commute, Amboseli, Kenya Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Defense Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Desert Army Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Emma, Dinokeng, South Africa Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Ethereal Dune Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Family Tree Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Family, Amboseli, Kenya Add to cart -
David Yarrow
Fields of Gold Add to cart -
David Yarrow
First Down, South Africa Add to cart
News & Articles

Simple Pleasures: The Quiet Glow

David Yarrow: The Adventure Continues…. in Palm Beach

Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary 2025

David Yarrow: The Adventure Continues… @ JL Modern

Art Miami 2024

Art Miami 2023

Temperatures Rising: Surrender to the Heat

Photo London 2022

Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary Art Fair 2022

David Yarrow’s 1992

Art Miami 2021

Exhale

David Yarrow’s The Iron Horse

In Discussion: David Yarrow and Holden Luntz

3 Great Scots

Meet our Artists: David Yarrow

Art Miami 2019

David Yarrow’s White Horses, Iceland

David Yarrow’s The Circle of Life, Amboseli, Kenya
