Underwater photographers David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes to kick off the springtime series Feb. 4; also scheduled are American photojournalist and documentary filmmaker Ami Vitale on March 3 and wildlife photographer and filmmaker Charlie Hamilton James on April 7

Behind every great National Geographic story is a great storyteller. From great white sharks to ferocious lions to Amazonian culture, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science will bring those stories to life as it kicks off its inaugural National Geographic speaker series with underwater photographers David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes Feb. 4 in The Hoglund Foundation Theater, a National Geographic Experience. The 2016 line-up also includes American photojournalist and documentary filmmaker Ami Vitale on March 3, and wildlife photographer and filmmaker Charlie Hamilton James on April 7. Lectures will begin at 7 p.m. with Q&A and autograph sessions immediately following. The speaker series, presented by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., is in partnership with National Geographic Live, bringing the National Geographic experience to global audiences, while celebrating the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world. Season and individual tickets are now on sale at perotmuseum.org (tickets prices below).

“The National Geographic speaker series gives guests a chance to hear about the incredible real-life adventures of some of the world’s most renowned explorers and photographers,” said Colleen Walker, the Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum. “And The Hoglund Foundation Theater, with its eye-popping digital color, enables these astonishing images to truly come to life.”

Duo David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes, partners in life and under the sea, have produced some of the world’s most stunning images below and above land. From unnervingly close shots of great white sharks to serene seascapes to bright and unusual aquatic life, Doubilet and Hayes’ underwater adventures have spanned the world, reaching even the most remote coral reefs. Together, they will take ticketholders on a journey of amazing imagery and storytelling during their featured talk Thursday, Feb. 4.

Then on Thursday, March 3, award-winning cultural photojournalist Ami Vitale will present her endearingly provocative photography and the captivating stories behind them. Through her travels to 85 countries, Vitale has come face-to-face with the disparities of the world, yet has an incredible knack for eloquently capturing the prevailing and powerful spirit of both humans and animals. As a renowned photographer and filmmaker, she excels at addressing issues involving women in developing countries, infant mortality and climate change, to name a few.

The speaker series culminates with award-winning photographer, filmmaker and TV presenter Charlie Hamilton James, best known for invoking wildlife images. A man of many cameras, James prolifically delivers compelling photography, from the evasive kingfisher to the commanding lion to the Amazonian people. He has contributed to several BBC documentaries, owns a rainforest and runs Halcyon Media, producing wildlife documentaries with his wife, Philippa Forrester. James’ lectures will take place Thursday, April 7.

TICKETS. Season tickets for the 2016 National Geographic speaker series include all three lectures and are $75 for members and $90 for non-members. Tickets to individual lectures are $30 for members and $35 for non-members. (Museum general admission is not required – or included – with lecture ticket purchase.

Museum general admission ticket prices are $19 for adults (18-64), $12 for youth (2-17), $13 for seniors (65+), and free for children under 2. Museum general admission is always free for members. Admission to the theater is $6 for a short film (20 minutes) and $8 for a long film (40 minutes) for adults, seniors and youth. For members, admission to the theater is $5 (short film) and $6 (long film). All children under 2 are free. General admission prices subject to change.

Skip the lines! Visitors, including members, are strongly encouraged to purchase/reserve tickets in advance directly from their smart phones or computers.

PAID PARKING. General parking and handicap parking is available in the main Museum parking lot, a pay-to-exit lot located under Woodall Rodgers Freeway across from the Museum. Limited additional handicap and Hybrid/electric vehicle parking is available in the Special Permit lot, located directly west of the Museum. Pricing is $8 per car when paid on-site at the parking lot and $3 for Museum members when purchased at the Museum Box Office or information desk.

The Perot Museum is located at 2201 N. Field Street in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit perotmuseum.org or call 214-428-5555.