Des Bartlett

Des Bartlett (1927–2009) was a British-born photographer and cinematographer renowned for his daring wildlife and natural-history imagery. After studying zoology at Oxford, Bartlett taught himself photography and embarked on his first African safari in the early 1950s. His intimate knowledge of animal behavior—combined with a willingness to work in challenging conditions—led to groundbreaking work for the BBC’s “Survival” series and National Geographic.

Bartlett’s signature style blended close-up portraiture with sweeping environmental context. He captured pride of lions at dawn in Kenya, elephant herds wading through rivers in Botswana, and the dramatic courtships of birds of paradise in Papua New Guinea. From 1963 to 1980 he collaborated with filmmaker Armand and Michaela Denis, helping produce award‑winning documentaries that introduced global audiences to remote ecosystems.

In addition to his television work, Bartlett published several acclaimed monographs—such as Wild Africa (1972) and The Water’s Edge (1981)—which combined striking images with insightful text on conservation. His commitment to environmental stewardship extended beyond the camera: he advised on habitat-protection initiatives in East Africa and served on the board of several wildlife charities. Today his photographs continue to inspire conservationists and photographers alike, embodying a vision of harmony between people and the natural world.