Through his camera lens, conservation photographer Ian Wilson-Navarro’s passion for Florida Keys seascapes and environment is evident. From bonefish on the flats to a reef shark gliding through the water, Wilson-Navarro has captured the beauty — and fragility — on and beneath the waters surrounding the island chain.
His work has appeared in The Fly Fish Journal, Garden & Gun and Field & Stream, to name a few. Now, his photographs inspired by recent trips to Dry Tortugas National Park have turned into a book.
From Key Largo, Wilson-Navarro was intrigued with the park’s rich nature and wildlife. Located 70 miles west of Key West, the Dry Tortugas trips propelled him to do more than snap a photo for platforms and profile.
On Oct. 8, Wilson-Navarro launched his first book “Dry Tortugas: Stronghold of Nature.” With nearly 200 photos showing stunning beauty and rich biodiversity, Wilson-Navarro captured lush seagrass beds, mesmerizing turquoise waters and large, vibrant corals. He also snapped birds gliding in the sky, schools of fish and reef sharks.
“There’s no place I’d rather be on the planet. It’s like stepping back in time,” he said. “I tried to bring in everything from the fish, science being done and humans experiencing the park.”
Wilson-Navarro became intrigued with Dry Tortugas National Park following a visit when he was 18. He was there for three days, camping underneath the sea of stars and instantly falling in love with the world around him.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was neat to see the crystal clear reefs. It was a true playground for an ocean lover,” he said.
The nearly 200 color images in Wilson-Navarro’s book are also accompanied by essays from people with intimate knowledge of the park’s history, culture and environment. They include Sarah Fangman, former superintendent for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; Cori Convertito, maritime and Florida Keys historian; Curtis Hall, lead ranger for resource education and a National Park Service diver at the Dry Tortugas; and Nancy Klingener, community affairs manager with the Monroe County Public Library.
Wilson-Navarro’s book also shows the battle coral reefs are facing amid the recent bleaching and stony coral tissue loss disease events. The windjammer coral was one example. Within a year, he said, he witnessed immense change. Giant staghorn and brain corals he once admired were dead.
On Oct. 19, a book launch and signing was held at the Hale Gallery in Islamorada. Wilson-Navarro said the new book is a milestone in his life, having wanted something published before he reached the age of 30. Wilson-Navarro wants to produce more books in the future focusing on remote waters and places.
“I’d like to shoot an ecosystem that’s been left untouched,” he said. “That’s where I find my optimism.”
Wilson-Navarro’s book can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as local stores like Books and Books in Key West. People can also buy prints from Wilson-Navarro by visiting Ianwilsonphoto.com.
Wilson-Navarro will hold book talks and signings on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Key West Bookfest at the Key West library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 4 at Books and Books at 6 p.m.; Nov. 7 at the Key West Art & Historical Society at 6 p.m.; and Nov. 15 at Ocean Sotheby’s office in Key West from 5 to 7 p.m.
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