Rich Reid

Rich Reid is a Certified Photo Instructor and National Geographic Photographer with more than three decades of experience in environmental and adventure photography. An award-winning photographer and filmmaker, his clients have included National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land and The New York Times. He was also a finalist for the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year for a time-lapse project documenting forest fire ecology.

Rich began his photography career as a photo editor for his college yearbook and daily newspaper while earning a degree in business economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His early work marked the intersection of visual storytelling, environmental awareness and a long-term commitment to conservation.

Alaska played an important role in shaping Rich’s field career, beginning with work as a camping guide leading guests through the state. He has since shared his expertise as an Alaska tour operator, a Visual Journalism instructor at Brooks Institute in California and as a naturalist and photography leader with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Rich serves as Director of Expedition Photography for Lindblad Expeditions, collaborating with certified photo instructors and National Geographic photographers to support guest learning and creative engagement on board. When not at sea, he is based near Ojai, California, where he continues to explore and photograph the natural world.