National Geographic Photographer, Journalist, Storyteller

A National Geographic photographer, journalist, and expedition expert, Massimo has worked for National Geographic since 1990 and has traveled extensively to over 110 countries. Encapsulating the warmth, curiosity and culture of his roots in Calabria, Italy, combined with Greek influence, photojournalist Massimo Bassano embraces his role as a storyteller. Throughout a career that has spanned over 3 decades, Massimo’s photographs have appeared in numerous publications, including the National Geographic Books collection Places of a Lifetime. His work covers a diverse range of topics including culture, climate change, archaeology and more. He is also the author of The Colors of Silence, an acclaimed book of photographs chronicling the Carthusian Monks in their monastery that is famous for its total seclusion. This was the first time the monastery had been photographed in its 900-year history.

A sailor since the age of 17, Massimo has explored every corner of the Mediterranean, including solo explorations of the unique culture of the Pacific Islands. In his travels, he has crossed every ocean on Earth and visited all 7 continents. For over 2 decades, Massimo has traveled with National Geographic Expeditions, teaching photography, giving cultural, historical, and scientific lectures, and leading educational tours around the world.

Massimo regularly holds photography and multimedia storytelling workshops and loves teaching and sharing his passion for exploring the planet. Since his first trip to Antarctica with National Geographic, Massimo has developed a passion for the polar regions and has since become a certified Polar Guide. He dedicates time each year to polar projects.