Michael Yamashita.

Born in 1949 in the United States, he began photography in 1971 and spent several years shooting in Asia before joining National Geographic in 1979, where he worked for 40 years.

He has photographed a wide range of subjects across six continents, though his primary focus remains Asia. He is particularly interested in exploring the journeys of great explorers, from Marco Polo’s travels along the Silk Road to the epic voyages of 15th-century Chinese Admiral Zheng He and the 16th-century travels of Matsuo Basho, Japan’s most celebrated literary figure.

Whether capturing breathtaking landscapes, intimate depictions of daily life, religious and cultural ceremonies, or portraits in everyday contexts, Yamashita’s stunning images are consistently characterized by sensitivity, respect, and a profound passion for his subjects.

He is the author of Bhutan: Portrait of a Kingdom, published by Éditions du Pacifique.