National Geographic Live Speaker Series: Babak Tafreshi—Earth After Dark

What happens when the lights go out? For National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi, nighttime is when the world truly comes alive. A world-renowned photographer and cinematographer, Tafreshi has spent his career capturing stunning images of the night sky, nocturnal wildlife, and glowing cityscapes that reveal Earth in a whole new light.

In Earth After Dark, Tafreshi invites audiences into his lens to explore what unfolds after sundown—from fireflies in your backyard to the Milky Way stretched across remote desert skies. His images illuminate both the natural world and the human experience, reminding us that we’re all connected under the same sky.

A National Geographic contributor since 2012, Tafreshi is the founder of The World at Night, a global program uniting photographers from over 30 countries with a message of “One People, One Sky.” He’s a recipient of the prestigious Lennart Nilsson Award and the 2022 National Geographic Society Wayfinder Award.

Whether he’s photographing dark skies over national parks or the glow of cities from space, Tafreshi’s work blends art and science to foster a deeper understanding of our world—and our place in it.

Join us on Tuesday, November 18, for an unforgettable evening at the Des Moines Civic Center. Tafreshi will share stories, time-lapse footage, and breathtaking images that capture Earth’s nighttime wonders. Whether you’re a stargazer, photographer, or simply someone who’s ever looked up and felt awe, this evening will spark your imagination.

Click here to learn more. National Geographic Live Speaker Series season tickets available now. Discover how Tafreshi’s work brings the beauty of night to light.