Yann Arthus-Bertrand — French Photographer born on March 13, 1946,

Yann Arthus-Bertrand is a French photographer, journalist, reporter and environmentalist... (wikipedia)

No one is an environmentalist by birth. It is only your path, your life, your travels that awaken you.
After Hurricane Katrina, over New Orleans, my helicopter crashed and the pilot and I were only saved because we fell on the roof of a flooded house that absorbed the shock. When the helicopter was spiraling downward out of control, I didn't expect to survive at all.
An image of the Earth, its landscapes, directly affects people. The beauty of the Earth creates enormous emotion, and through that emotion, you can transmit knowledge and raise consciousness.
The lions taught me photography. They taught me patience and the sense of beauty, a beauty that penetrates you.
For me, an aerial picture is no different than a close-up portrait. It's a question of framing and angle. Helicopters are great for that. But I've also used planes. Of course, I always have a harness.