Chris Johns
Former National Geographic Editor in Chief and acclaimed photographer Chris Johns explores the alchemy of sharing a powerful, balanced story.
Yellowstone Hero
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Disruptor
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Yellow Border Chief
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Yellowstone Hero • Disruptor • Yellow Border Chief •
More about Chris
For 20 years, Chris Johns traveled the planet to bring back images and stories of our natural world. Several of these images—including his image of a male lion, patrolling the Kalahari—would stand the test of time, being named among the 50 best National Geographic photographs of all time.
The first photographer to be named Editor-in-Chief for National Geographic magazine, Chris Johns’ career has been defined by a focus on excellence in photography, cartography (mapping the world), and reporting. He served as the ninth Editor-in-Chief of the iconic magazine from January 2005 to April 2014, an era resulting in 23 National Magazine Awards from the American Society of Magazine Editors. In 2008, Chris was named Magazine Editor of the Year and in 2011 National Geographic was named Magazine of the Year.
Chris is known for his ability to balance hard truths with wonder—the subject of a recent film he create with his daughter, filmmaker Louise Johns.
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Following his role as Editor-in-Chief, Chris led the organization guided a major National Geographic initiative called “Beyond Yellowstone,” to document the health of America’s first National Park, on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service.
In 2023, together with his filmmaker daughter Louise Johns, Chris produced a documentary feature film, The Wonder and The Worry, that reflects on the transformation of one of the most influential institutions in publishing and the obligation of whoever is at its helm to balance reporting of the problems we face in our natural environment and the need to celebrate a world worth saving. Part memoir, the film and Chris’ presentation of the same name offer a lyrical exploration of family, the craft of photography, and the power of journalism to effect change.
Speaking Topics
Leadership
Managing Change
Conservation
Exploration
Nature
Watch Chris in action
Presentations
The Wonder and the Worry: A Photographer’s Journey
Chris Johns spent twenty years capturing the world as a National Geographic photographer—and as Editor-in-Chief, he led one of the planet’s most iconic brands. Celebrating Earth’s wonders while confronting its greatest challenges, Chris shares powerful stories that inspire, inform, and ignite action, offering a rare view of the planet’s beauty, resilience, and the urgent need to protect it.
"From early on, I have sought to document awe. Embracing awe—as science has shown—make us healthier and more alive."
– Chris Johns