Conservation photographers have a double duty: Beyond snapping the perfect shot, they're out there — perhaps waist-deep in a swamp or perched atop a glacier — to capture glimpses of the endangered nature we city dwellers rarely give a moment's thought. The Bay area's own Carlton Ward Jr., an eighth-generation Floridian whose great-grandfather was Gov. Doyle Carlton, just happens to be one of conservation photography's rising stars. In Elliott Gallery's Conservation Photography: From the Edge of Africa to the Heart of Florida, Ward exhibits a series of photographs that span his career, from a 2001 Smithsonian-funded project in Gabon, which resulted in the book, The Edge of Africa, to more recent work documenting Florida cattle ranchers, who help stave off development and keep acres of land in or close to its natural state. Check out even more of his images in the Arts Center's current show, Cracker Country: Florida's Cowboy Culture. Conservation Photography: opening reception Sun., April 22, 3-5 p.m., public talk at Miller Auditorium Tues., April 24, 6:30 p.m.; the works are on display through May 18, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., Elliott Gallery-Eckerd College 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-864-8340, carltonward.com.
This article appears in Apr 18-24, 2007.