Bertie Gregory
Filmmaker on nature’s frontline
Bertie Gregory is renowned as a wildlife filmmaker who combines the immediacy of adventure storytelling with a deep commitment to conservation.
A cinematic voice for nature
A National Geographic Explorer and one of the youngest cinematography winners in BAFTA history, Gregory’s body of work is a powerful call to action for the protection of the natural world. In 2025, he was named as one of the two Rolex National Geographic Explorers of the Year, recognized for his work on the docuseries Secrets of the Penguins; and for his contributions to a broader mission to preserve Earth’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
Storytelling to protect the planet
Bertie Gregory’s career began with remarkable promise. British by nationality, at just 18, he was awarded the title of Youth Outdoor Photographer of the Year. After earning a degree in Zoology from the University of Bristol, Gregory began assisting iconic National Geographic photographer Steve Winter – a pivotal mentorship that helped launch his own journey into the field.
Gregory’s work has since spanned the globe, documenting elusive species and extreme environments with an unflinching lens. He has presented, produced and served as Director of Photography on more than 14 projects for National Geographic, including Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory, Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory and Secrets of the Penguins. His 2019 series Resurrection Island earned him the Best Television Host award at the Jackson Wild Awards.
For the groundbreaking series Secrets of the Penguins released in 2025, Gregory joined forces with renowned marine biologist and 2019 Rolex Awards Laureate Pablo Garcia Borboroglu, his co-recipient of the 2025 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year award. Executive produced by Rolex Testimonee James Cameron, the series captures penguins in unprecedented detail and places their lives within the wider context of ocean conservation.
Beyond filmmaking, Gregory leads a conservation impact campaign that aims to convert attention into action. Through compelling imagery and social media – where he has more than one million followers on Instagram alone – he works to drive tangible change in the very regions he documents, ensuring his stories leave a lasting footprint both on screen and on the ground.
Bertie Gregory became a Rolex Testimonee in 2026.