Since 1970 Sam Abell has been a fixture at National Geographic, having shot dozens of stories, authored award-winning books, and shown his work worldwide.

Abell often tells evocative stories of time and place: Lewis and Clark, the Mississippi River, the Amazon, Australia, and Japan's Imperial Palace. Most recently he told his own story in Sam Abell: The Photographic Life, a book and traveling exhibition. The archetypal National Geographic photojournalist, Abell is a gifted and eloquent speaker.

Partnership: Lessons from Lewis & Clark
In the mid-90s Abell and historian Stephen Ambrose retraced the Lewis and Clark trail, pouring over journals and reflecting on the trials and tribulations of what is still considered one of the boldest expeditions of all time. Using stunning imagery from his book, Lewis & Clark: Voyage of Discovery, Abell explores the delicate balance between leadership and partnership Lewis and Clark struck in order to succeed on their journey.

The Photographic Life
Abell shares the excitement, intrigue, frustration, heartbreak, and joy of spending 35 years on assignment around the world for the world's most trusted magazine.

America's Great River: The Mississippi
Historian Stephen Ambrose, on the last expedition of his life, and Abell traveled from New Orleans to Minnesota aboard the 19th-century steamboat Delta Queen in order to reflect on the cultural and economic significance sparked by Old Man River.

Seeing Gardens
Featuring images from his 2000 book of the same title, Abell invites us to look beyond the surface to find beauty and wonder in the most unexpected places.

The Land Down Under
Researching and making images for his book, Australia: Journey Through a Timeless Land, Abell spent three years experiencing the culture, adventure and extreme conditions that make this place and its native people so unique.

Testimonials
"NGS corners the market on quality photographers and intellectual explorers, but any person interested in NGS photography (or 20th century photography) should avail itself of the opportunity to sit and listen to Sam Abell tell the story of his Photographic Life."

– Dr. Kate Sampsell-Willmann, Assistant Professor of History, Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service, Qatar

"Sam was terrific. The presentation on Lewis & Clark was so interesting to our people that he was fielding questions for almost an hour after he was finished. He is a delightful person and an engaging presenter."

– Stewart MacDonald, CEO of Mac-Gray Services