Frans Lanting

Frans Lanting by Paul Schraub (1997), via Wikipedia.

Who is Frans Lanting?

Frans Lanting, a Dutch photographer, writer, and speaker, was born on July 13, 1951, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. After studying economics at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, he moved to the United States. Currently residing in Santa Cruz, California, Lanting runs a studio, gallery, and stock photography service. His wife, Christine Eckstrom, is a writer, editor, and producer who collaborates with him on nature photography books.

Lanting undertakes photography projects in various regions around the world, such as the Amazon basin, Africa, and Antarctica. His work is frequently published in National Geographic, where he served as a photographer-in-residence. Additionally, his photographs have been featured in Outdoor Photographer, Audubon, and Life magazines. In 2005, the Field Museum of Natural History presented an exhibition called "Jungles," which highlighted the flora and fauna of the rainforest.

In 2006, Lanting's exhibit titled "Life: A Journey Through Time" was showcased as part of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, California. This exhibit combined Lanting's photography with the music of Philip Glass. Following its debut, the traveling exhibition, "Frans Lanting: LIFE," began its journey in the fall of 2006 at the Dutch natural history museum in Leiden, Netherlands, and subsequently toured Europe and the United States.

Lanting is a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP), emphasizing his dedication to conservation efforts through photography.

Between May and July 2012, an exhibition featuring 75 photos from "Life: A Journey Through Time" was held on the SS Rotterdam in the harbor of Rotterdam.

In August 2012, Lanting became an ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature in the Netherlands. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the World Wide Fund for Nature, a special concert version of "LIFE" took place on August 25, 2012, at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

Photography

Frans Lanting is widely recognized as one of the most exceptional photographers of our time, particularly in capturing the beauty of the natural world. His extraordinary work can be seen in prestigious exhibitions, renowned magazines, and acclaimed books across the globe. With a career spanning over two decades, Lanting has devoted himself to documenting the diverse flora, fauna, and the intricate connection between humanity and the environment, venturing into captivating landscapes ranging from the icy realms of Antarctica to the lush depths of the Amazon rainforest. In recognition of his remarkable contributions as both a conservationist and a photographer, Lanting has received numerous esteemed awards.

Born on July 13, 1951, in the Netherlands, Lanting eventually relocated to the United States, where he currently resides in Santa Cruz. There, he operates a gallery and studio, showcasing his awe-inspiring creations. His talented wife, Christine Eckstrom, complements his endeavors as an editor, producer, and writer.

Lanting's captivating photography is regularly showcased in the renowned magazine National Geographic. In addition, his remarkable images have been prominently featured in other notable publications such as Life, Airone, Audubon, Stern, and Outdoor Photographer.

In 2005, Lanting's compelling work focusing on the flora and fauna of the rainforest was exhibited at the Field Museum of Natural History. This noteworthy exhibition, titled "Jungles," provided a mesmerizing glimpse into the intricate world of rainforest ecosystems.

The following year, Lanting's photography was prominently displayed in the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music held in California. The exhibition, titled "Life: A Journey Through Time," was a harmonious fusion of Lanting's evocative photographic pieces and the enchanting music of Philip Glass. This innovative collaboration offered a unique and immersive artistic experience.

Continuing the journey of his acclaimed work, 2006 witnessed a traveling retrospective exhibition titled "Frans Lanting: LIFE" at Leiden's natural history museum in the Netherlands. This captivating showcase of Lanting's oeuvre traversed both the United States and Europe, captivating audiences with its breathtaking imagery and insightful storytelling.

Twelve years later, in 2012, an exhibition took place aboard the SS Rotterdam, featuring seventy-five striking images from Lanting's previous exhibition, "Life: A Journey Through Time." This event served as a compelling testament to the enduring power and resonance of Lanting's artistic vision.

In the year 2012 alone, Lanting received notable honors and recognition for his exceptional contributions. He was appointed as an ambassador for the World Wide Fund for Nature in the Netherlands, solidifying his commitment to conservation efforts. Additionally, Lanting was honored as a Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, acknowledging his outstanding dedication to capturing and promoting awareness of the natural world.

Throughout his illustrious career, Frans Lanting has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, each representing his exceptional talent and commitment. These accolades include the World Press Photo awards in 1988 and 1989, the esteemed Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in 1991, the Ansel Adams Award for Conservation Photography in 1997, and the Nature and Environment Stories second prize in the same year. Lanting's remarkable achievements were further recognized when he was bestowed the Knight in the Royal Order of the Golden Ark by Prince Bernhard in 2001. In 2005, he received the esteemed Lennart Nilsson Award, followed by the Photographer of the Year award from the Photo-imaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association in 2008. The Royal Geographical Society honored Lanting with the distinguished Cherry Kearton Award and Medal in 2010, underscoring his profound impact in the field of photography.

Lanting has an impressive body of work that encompasses a range of captivating projects. Some notable titles include "Feathers" in 1982, "Islands of the West" in 1985, "The Albatrosses of Midway Island" in 1990, "Madagascar: A World Out of Time" in the same year, "Forgotten Edens: Exploring the World's Wild Places" in 1993, "Okavango: Africa's Last Eden" also in 1993, "Animal Athletes" in 1996, "Bonobo: The Forgotten Ape" in 1997, "Eye to Eye: Intimate Encounters With the Animal World" in 1997, "Living Planet: Preserving Edens of the Earth" in 1999, and "Penguin" in 2003. Notably, Lanting's wife Christine has also been involved in some of these projects, contributing to their collective achievements.

Lanting's approach to photography goes beyond merely capturing images; he wholeheartedly immerses himself physically, emotionally, and intellectually in the lives of the plants and animals he portrays. Whether it's lions, elephants, penguins, or albatrosses, he skillfully captures rare and extraordinary aspects of nature that often remain unseen. Through his photographs, Lanting shares his profound discoveries, evoking excitement and wonder in viewers who can also experience these remarkable encounters.

Lanting's work has received recognition for its significant role in raising awareness about environmental issues and has often served as a catalyst for both non-governmental and governmental actions aimed at finding solutions.

During an interview, Lanting expressed his concern for future generations, emphasizing that advancements in technology will likely surpass our current capabilities. However, he pondered the state of wildlife that would remain for future photographers to capture. As Lanting continues to explore various locations worldwide, he witnesses firsthand the unraveling of ecosystems, observing the alarming decline of wilderness. In this context, Lanting's photography holds a profound purpose, as his lens becomes the embodiment of the world's gaze, documenting the fragile state of our planet.

Summary

Frans Lanting (1951) is widely acclaimed as one of the preeminent photographers of our era. His influential and impactful work is prominently featured in books, magazines, and exhibitions worldwide. Over a span of more than thirty years, Lanting has dedicated himself to capturing the beauty and diversity of wildlife, traversing remarkable landscapes from the Amazon to Antarctica. Through his awe-inspiring images, he seeks to foster a deeper understanding of our planet and its rich natural history, instilling a sense of reverence and marvel for the world we inhabit. Lanting's remarkable talents have led to frequent collaborations with National Geographic, where he held the esteemed position of Photographer-in-Residence.

In 2006, Lanting embarked on an extraordinary endeavor alongside his wife and partner, Christine Eckstrom, called The LIFE Project. This ambitious project encompassed a captivating book, a compelling exhibition, an interactive website, and a multimedia orchestral performance in collaboration with renowned composer Philip Glass. The LIFE symphony made its debut in Santa Cruz and subsequently embarked on a remarkable tour across North America and Europe. Lanting's books have received widespread acclaim and numerous accolades. The New Yorker aptly described him as the master of transforming animals into art. Among his notable publications are "LIFE: A Journey Through Time," "Jungles," "Penguin," "Living Planet," "Eye to Eye," "Bonobo," "Okavango: Africa's Last Eden," "Forgotten Edens," and "Madagascar: A World Out of Time."

Lanting's exceptional contributions to the field of photography have garnered him prestigious honors and recognition. He has been honored as a fellow of the Royal Geographic Society in London and received Sweden's esteemed Lennart Nilsson Award. In 2001, H.R.H. Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands bestowed upon him the prestigious title of Knight in the Royal Order of the Golden Ark, the highest conservation honor in the country. In 2012, Lanting was appointed as an Ambassador for World Wildlife Fund Netherlands, further demonstrating his commitment to conservation efforts. Additionally, he has received esteemed accolades such as the World Press Photo award, the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year title, and the Ansel Adams Award from the Sierra Club.

Originally from the Netherlands, Lanting obtained a master's degree in economics from Erasmus University in Rotterdam. He also pursued studies in environmental planning at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he currently serves as a trustee of the Foundation Board.