Robert E. Gilka facts for kids

Robert E. Gilka (July 12, 1916 – June 25, 2013) was an American photojournalist. He was best known for his work at National Geographic. He served as an editor and director of photography there for 27 years, from 1958 to 1985.

Early Life and Education

Robert Gilka was born in 1916 near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He studied journalism at Marquette University. He graduated in 1939. After college, he created a special four-page newspaper about himself. It was called "The Gilka Graphic." He sent it to many editors to help him find a job.

He was hired by the Zanesville Signal newspaper in Zanesville, Ohio. He worked there as a reporter, sports editor, and photographer. In 1941, he married Janet Andrews Bailey, who was also a reporter at the newspaper. They had four children: Greer, Jena, Geoffrey, and Gregory. Janet passed away in 2004. Robert Gilka died on June 25, 2013, in Arlington, Virginia. He was 96 years old.

Career Highlights

Robert Gilka's career was paused by World War II. He joined the Signal Corps, hoping to be a photographer. Instead, the Army made him an X-ray technician. He served in both the Pacific and European areas. He rose through the ranks from a private to a captain.

After the war in 1945, Gilka returned to his hometown. He worked for the Milwaukee Journal as a copy editor and sports writer. His love for photography led him to the picture desk. He took charge of it in 1952.

Joining National Geographic

In 1958, Gilka was invited to join the staff of National Geographic. He first worked as a picture editor. By 1963, he became the director of photography. In this important role, he decided which photographers would work on the Society's books and magazines.

He started a summer program for university students. This program helped young people who wanted to become photojournalists. Many students went through this program. Some later became staff members at National Geographic. Others found jobs at newspapers across the country.

Gilka also helped and hired photographers he met. He was part of the University of Missouri photojournalism workshop faculty for almost 50 years. For 17 years, he also managed the Hearst annual photojournalism contest.

Gilka's Gorillas

Robert Gilka was known for encouraging many talented photographers. During his time at National Geographic, these photographers were sometimes called "Gilka’s Gorillas." This nickname might have come from Jane Goodall. She named one of her research chimpanzees "Gilka" after him.

At National Geographic, he strongly supported photographers. He defended their travel expenses, even for unusual items. For example, he approved expenses for a "Cessna 185 aircraft" (the whole plane, not just a rental). He also approved "Mouse for rattlesnake, house for mouse, cheese for mouse."

He had a great sense of humor. He once had a sign on his office door that read "Wipe knees before entering." Next to his desk, there was a kneeling bench, like one used in a church.

Photojournalist Ted Spiegel said that Gilka understood how to empower people. He gave photographers unique chances to explore and work responsibly. While Gilka was at National Geographic, the magazine's circulation grew a lot. It went from less than 2 million to over 10 million copies.

He retired from National Geographic in 1985. After that, he taught photojournalism at Syracuse University. He continued teaching there until 1992.

See also

In Spanish: Robert E. Gilka para niños