The Hazards of a National Geographic Photographer [terrific infographic]
This page is dedicated to Wes Skiles who died doing the work he loved. Sadie Quarrier, senior photo editor, National Geographic Magazine says: “I was lucky enough to work with Wes as his photo editor on (his) “Bahamas Blue Holes” story for NGM. He was deeply passionate about diving, exploring, photographing and protecting the waterways… Wes was big-hearted and humble yet extremely driven. He was doggedly determined to produce the best possible article on these caves he called home. He dared to dream big, and no budget or contract would stop him from going after a shot he felt we needed, even if it was on his own dime…”
There have been other deaths over the years and many serious injuries. The posts below are recent survey responses from 45 photographers about some of the hazards encountered while on assignment for the National Geographic Society. The numbers represent individual incidents.
It's a Glamorous Life
- 1
Loa-Loa Worm in Eye
- 1
Chased by Crocodile
- 1
Lost at Sea
- 3
Beaten
- 33
Arrest or House Arrest
- 7
Dislocations
- 2
Seat Belt Releases with Helicopter Tipped Over Volcano
- 29
Frostbite (23 for one photographer)
- 20
Amoebic Dysentery
- 4
Broken Bones
- 1
Stabbed
- 1
Spitting Cobra Attacks
- 1
Out of Air Diving Under Sea Ice
- 8
Giardia
- 21
Threatened / Detained / Abducted
- 1
Streaming Blood While Hanging from Harness at 1500 feet
- 2
Stoned by Religious Group
- 1
Paraglider Crash Landing on Sea Ice
- 2
Assault by Florida panther. 2 photographers, 2 assignments, same panther.
- 1
Dengue Fever
- 1
Held at Knifepoint
- 1
Meningitis
- 12
Falls
- 1
Strongyloide Invasion
- 13
Run Checkpoint
- 5
Malaria
- 1
Temporary Blindness
- 21
Paraglider Crash
- 7
Car or Bus Crash
- 90
Severe Diarrhea
- 5
Plane or Helicopter Crash
- 1
Punched in Face
- 1
Acid Dripping Caves
- 30
Wound Infection
- 1
Hotel Surrounded by Rebels
- 2
Held at Gunpoint
- 9
Hypothermia
- 13
Robbed
- 3
Extreme Toxins
- 1
Attack by 9,000 pound Elephant Seal
- 1
Out of Air Diving Under Oil Rig
- 1
Diagnosed PTSD
- 1
Viper in Camera Bag
- 1
Penis Fish
- 12
Severe Insect Problems
- 3
Imprisoned
- 16
Various Parasites
- 6
Random Assault
- 1
Paraglider Crash Landing in Tree
- 19
Severe Dehydration
- 4
Burns
- 9
Groped
- 4
Tear Gassed
- 1
Paraglider Crash Landing in Ocean
- 1
Scaffolding Collapse
- 3
Trips into Chernobyl Reactor
- 8
Assorted Animal Attacks
- 9
Venomous Bites
- 1
Flesh Eating Parasites
This is from a very new site by National Geographic photographers.




