Photographer Joel Sartore is a man on a mission. He's working with National Geographic to capture 12,000 different animal species through his lens — before it's too late. All of the animals featured in his project are in danger of disappearing from our planet entirely. The project, titled "Photo Ark," not only provides much needed awareness for this tragic issue, but creates a time capsule for each one in case the worst case scenario indeed comes true.
Of course, it's not just the high number of animal subjects that make the process so daunting for Sartore. Attempting to get the critters to stay still long enough to snap the portrait is its own hilarious struggle. The video below shows just how difficult it is when the photographer invites crocodiles, parrots, monkeys, and more into his studio. Feathers, fur, and scales fly and scamper around while his shutter does its best to keep up.
It reminds me of all the family photo sessions we had when I was a little kid. My mom could never get us to sit for longer than two seconds. Even if she did, we would pull a silly face right as the flash clicked and have to start all over again! But thanks to some skilled shutterbugs, they still managed to get a decent photo out of us eventually.
That's the kind of patience I'm sure Sartore is relying on now as he completes this beautiful and important series.
Take a look at the funny video below and SHARE with your friends!
