UW Alumnus Named One of National Geographic's Emerging Explorers

Feb. 3, 2006 -- Photographer Bobby Model, a 1997 graduate of the University of Wyoming, has been named as a member of the National Geographic Society’s 2006 class of Emerging Explorers.

Model and seven others were named by the National Geographic’s Emerging Explorers Program, which recognizes and supports uniquely gifted and inspiring adventurers, scientists, photographers and storytellers who, while still early in their careers, are making a significant contribution to world knowledge through exploration.

“I’m honored,” says Model. “I really had no idea that they were considering me for that.”

Born in Cody in 1973, Model developed an early love of the outdoors and cites his childhood adventures in the Absaroka high country for instilling his deep appreciation for remote places.

A contributing photographer to National Geographic Adventure magazine, Model says he really got his start in his field while majoring in economics at UW.

“Ten, 15 years ago the local climbing community was a pretty small and tight bunch,” Model says. “We all knew each other and, whether it was climbing at Vedauwoo, taking trips up to Lander or just climbing on homemade climbing walls in town, we all knew what the others were up to.”

Being part of that tight-knit community led to an invitation to join an expedition to attempt the first free ascent of the East Face of Pakistan’s Trango Tower. Expedition leader Todd Skinner put together what he called "a team of cowboys from Wyoming" to take on what was widely regarded as one of the world’s major climbing challenges.

“I came along more as a grunt,” Model says. “I wasn’t the best climber in that group by any stretch, but it gave me a chance for me to document the climb as a photographer.”

His self-effacing description aside, Model was one of the “cowboys” -- along with Skinner, Mike Lilygren and Jeff Bechtel -- who summited the tower after spending nearly two months living at altitudes above 18,500 feet. The historic climb also opened up many new opportunities for Model to join other expeditions.

Model returned to UW to finish his degree, but his focus quickly returned to photography. While Model has since been part of six major expeditions funded by National Geographic, his interests have gradually shifted away from adventure photography.

“There are a lot of things in which photography can play a role in raising people’s awareness,” Model says. “Conservation, environmental issues, war and conflict -- I think photojournalism can be important in making people aware of the problems faced around the world. My personal focus has changed as a result. I’m glad that I’m not just being pigeonholed as an adventure photographer and have clients -- National Geographic included -- that allow me to look thoroughly at social issues as well.”

Toward that end, Model relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, where he is able to cover Africa more effectively. His photography has received international recognition and has been exhibited at the Banff Centre for Mountain Culture.

Examples of his work can be seen at http://m-11.com.

Posted on Friday, February 03, 2006