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In Town

By: Rebecca Loveridge

Shoot and Tell

Swedish photographer Mattias Klum is best known for his award-winning photography of exotic animals and landscapes in far-flung parts of the world. His work has been published in Wildlife Conservation, Geo and Audubon magazines—and he’s even had three National Geographic covers. Now the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is bringing Klum back to Southwest Florida to showcase his recent projects and the stories behind the photographs, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. in Gulf Coast High School’s auditorium. We caught up with Klum in Sweden when he was between assignments to Japan and the bio-diverse but endangered rainforests of Borneo.

You’re traveling back and forth to Borneo a lot lately. How is that project going?

I’ve spent a lot of time there [for National Geographic]. It’s one of the places on the planet that is in great jeopardy at the moment. I’m trying to tell the story about how diverse this place is, and why it’s so important to keep.

Why tell these stories?

If you can relate to the personal ordeals behind the photos, it adds dimension to the stories. If you’re willing to put your neck out there, you can gain a lot—friendship, trust, knowledge.

Why do you keep taking pictures?

In this time when we’re flooded with pictures and impressions and films, if you can create a moment of awareness or peace or reflection, it’s a blessing.

Ever thought about photographing our swamp?

I would love to spend half a year in the Everglades paddling around and getting wet and dirty and getting the right stuff. It’s one of those places on the planet that desperately needs our concern and protection. It’s such an incredible place.