Scottish-born artist and conservationist David Yarrow has become a legend of wildlife photography with his cinematic images that capture the grandeur of natural landscapes and the majesty of wild animals, from Kenya to Montana. While dramatic black-and-white pictures of lions and elephants may be the works most synonymous with his name, Yarrow is also a well-regarded sport and editorial photographer who has staged shoots with Cindy Crawford, Cara Delevingne, and others. He is a noted philanthropist as well, and, since 2018, has raised over $11 million for nonprofit and conservation organizations through the sale of his work. Many of the artist’s most iconic images are available through Whistler Contemporary in British Columbia. 

This November the artist will release his fourth book, Storytelling (2022), whose behind-the-scenes approach documents how he actually captures these images. Published by Rizzoli, the lavishly illustrated volume includes a foreword by Crawford and features pictures of Yarrow at work around the world. In some, he can be seen submerged in water or lying on the ground with his camera at the feet of a grizzly bear; the images are dazzling, shocking, and often awe-inspiring. 

Of his approach to visual narrative, Yarrow said, “I am a storyteller who makes pictures rather than necessarily takes them. I am only as good as my next shot, and that leads me to look forward, not back. My best pictures are the ones I have not taken yet.”  

Get a sneak peek of David Yarrow’s forthcoming book, Storytelling, below.

Courtesy of David Yarrow and Whistler Contemporary.

Courtesy of David Yarrow and Whistler Contemporary.

Courtesy of David Yarrow and Whistler Contemporary.

Courtesy of David Yarrow and Whistler Contemporary.

Courtesy of David Yarrow and Whistler Contemporary.

Courtesy of David Yarrow and Whistler Contemporary.

Learn more about David Yarrow at Whistler Contemporary Gallery on the Artnet Gallery Network.