Most photographers think of a successful image as being artistic. Composition, creativity and technical expertise dominate most of our thoughts when we find a beautiful subject. The images taken by National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore, in his book, The Company We Keep, show there is a deeper side to nature photography. Joel's images capture the essence of his subjects in a way that elicits an understanding of the plight of endangered species, while still maintaining the composition, artistic feel and technical aspects that most photographers attempt to achieve.

The Company We Keep educates and creates compassion with both the text and images. Douglas H. Chadwick's text brings home to the reader the problems faced by endangered species, while Sartore's images impart to the reader the startling reality of the situation. Subjects covered in this 1160 page book include the Florida Panther, the Green Sea Turtle and the California Condor to name a few. Impact to delicate ecosystems such as the Oklahoma Plains, the Desert Southwest and the wetlands of Florida explain why so many species are on the endangered list.

All the images in this book are extraordinarily educational and thought provoking. My favorites are of the Florida Panther taken at night at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Naples, Florida depicts a once beautiful animal now with both mange and ringworm. This species is now thought to be susceptible to disease due to inbreeding because of their limited numbers. The Red Wolf was the first endangered species to have a recovery plan put in place and was also the first predatory animal to be reintroduced to its native habitat. Sartore's photo shows a happy mother and pup in Graham, Washington. The Bury Beetle was thought at one time to be found only in Oklahoma and Rhode Island. Today it can be found in South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.

The book is organized in a way to provide a complete understanding of the reality facing man, past mistakes made, and the history of many now extinct species.

Section one, What's at stake, covers species including the Florida Panther, black-footed ferret, western prairie fringed orchid, American burying beetle and of course the whooping crane. Each species included has the trademark Sartore photo accompanying it.

Section Two, It's the habitat, covers three ecosystems at risk. These include the Pacific Northwest, The Desert Southwest, and Florida. Chadwick notes the improvements made due to legislation and man's recognition that changes needed to be made.

Section Three, The Company we keep, was my favorite. The history of legislation that has been passed, along with species impacted both negatively and positively by the legislation can be found in this section. Obstacles encountered for some species to recover were not only created by man, but also by nature itself.

Sartore's photography makes this book complete. His images have dramatic impact and are very diverse. While the text conveys the message; the images in this book give the visual impact necessary to make the reader fully aware of what is at stake with the environment and the wonderful creatures that reside on this earth with us. Sartore has an uncanny ability to capture the subjects' plight in a way that few photographers can.

Visit Joel Sartore’s website to order your autographed copy of The Company We Keep.