“Crossing Arabia’s Empty Quarter” by George Steinmetz; photo courtesy National Geographic
An exhibition featuring images of the world’s deserts by award-winning National Geographic photographer George Steinmetz will be on display at the National Geographic Museum from Aug. 30, 2012, to Jan. 27, 2013.
The free exhibition, “Desert Air: Photographs by George Steinmetz,” includes breathtaking photographs of sand dunes, human habitation, wildlife and vast expanses of the world’s last great wildernesses. The photos will be displayed in the museum’s M Street gallery. An audio component will feature Steinmetz telling the stories behind selected images.
“Ounianga Serir” by George Steinmetz; photo courtesy National Geographic
Inspired by a 1997 assignment for National Geographic magazine on the Central Sahara, Steinmetz has spent the last 15 years surveying and photographing remote and inhospitable desert environments around the globe. To be able to capture his stunning images, he learned to fly a motorized paraglider, the world’s lightest and slowest-moving aircraft. One of his experimental, foot-launched aircraft, which consists of a backpack motor and parachute-style wing, will be on display. The craft allows Steinmetz to fly low enough to the ground to document rarely seen places.
One of National Geographic’s top expedition photographers, Steinmetz has been photographing the remote corners of the world for 25 years. He has received many awards for his work, including two first prizes from World Press Photo, and Pictures of the Year, Overseas Press Club and Life Magazine’s Alfred Eisenstadt awards. In addition to articles in National Geographic magazine, including one on sand dunes in the upcoming November 2012 issue, his work has been featured in the New Yorker and Smithsonian magazines.
Steinmetz will be speaking about his experiences at the National Geographic Museum on November 27.
Having lived in the DC area for ten years, Ben still loves to wander the city with his wife, shooting lots of photos and exploring all the latest exhibits and galleries. A certified hockey fanatic, he spends some time debating the Washington Capitals club with friends – but everyone knows of his three decade love affair with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A professional writer, gamer, photographer, and Lego enthusiast, Ben remains captivated by DC and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.
