Born in 1973, Bobby Model grew up on a ranch near Cody, Wyoming. His childhood experiences in the Absaroka high country instilled an early appreciation for remote places.
In college he began to develop his visual sense with adventure photography, which was enhanced by his ability to negotiate mountainous terrain. After finishing college with a degree in environmental economics, Model covered significant mountaineering expeditions on five continents for clients in the outdoor industry.
Gradually, his interests evolved to include photographic reportage that addressed news as well as geopolitical and social issues. In 2004, he relocated to Nairobi, Kenya. In 2006 Model was selected as a National Geographic emerging explorer.
Model's photographs appeared in numerous international publications, including National Geographic, the New York Times, Outside, and Mother Jones. His photography received international recognition and was exhibited at the Banff Centre for Mountain Culture.
In 2007 Model was injured when a concrete block crashed through the windshield of his car in Cape Town, South Africa. He died in September 2009.
“Sometimes I have to kick myself when I take my life for granted,” Model once wrote. “I’ve been fortunate to witness so many amazing human moments.”
