Jon A Juarez is a wildlife and conservation photographer who lives in Berlin. His work has been featured in BBC Wildlife magazine and is a category award winner in Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
- "Our jungle guide sprang into action, shouting urgently 'Run! Quickly! Run!' We were seemingly running for our lives from we knew not what"
- “I once worked at an elevation of more than 5,000m in Bolivia and it was very difficult to breathe, eat and sleep.”
How did your career start?
I caught the photography bug while finishing my biology studies around 2009. Initially, I focused solely on capturing nature, viewing humans as the negative part of the equation. However, once I embraced the idea that we must be part of the solution, everything started falling into place.
Which of your photos is most significant to you, and why?
My photo of the southern white rhino foetus, part of my coverage of BioRescue’s IVF project in Kenya, affected me emotionally. Working with scientists and conservationists who are devoted to their missions fills me with hope and positivity, giving me a stronger connection to the images I produce.
- Scientists may be about to save the world's rarest rhino. Here's what they're doing
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 winners revealed
What’s been the most rewarding work?
Without doubt the GAIA initiative, where biologists and vets work with vultures and lions to better understand the environment and identify threats that can be managed in a more efficient way. It was a major factor in my transition to professional photography – a four-year journey so far. I’ve made great friends and learned a lot along the way.
And the most challenging project?
I received an assignment from Rewilding Europe to document the reintroduction of Atlantic sturgeons to Sweden. It was the first time I had to work on land and in the water, which was exciting, but I had a limited timeframe, due to the complex schedule of the project.
It has been both inspiring and motivating, demonstrating that when people put their heads and hearts together, nothing can stop them.
Have you had any major fails?
Yes! When I started working with video there were many challenges. After one of my first big assignments, I realised I’d spent the entire day filming with the microphone not connected properly, resulting in hours of mute footage.
It was a terrifying moment. Fortunately, the science I was filming wasn’t successful that day. I can laugh about it now!
Out of all your shoots, which has been the most physically challenging?
In 2022, my partner Elena and I spent two weeks working in Etosha National Park in Namibia. It was a dream assignment but nature always has the final word.
We spent hours waiting in cars under the scorching sun (45°C). There was sand everywhere – a nightmare for cameras. Just as it cooled and the beautiful light was about to appear, we had to respect our permits and leave.
What has been your most memorable encounter with wildlife?
It has to be the wild foxes in Berlin. With the help of refugee children, I started shooting our furry neighbours using camera traps after work hours. The kids were not used to being so close to wild animals and watching their fears gradually fade away was pure joy.
Which piece of kit do you always pack?
I can’t live without my Z9, a 24-120mm lens, and a shotgun microphone. With this set, I cover more than 90 per cent of my work. I’d also say that clothing and shoes are crucial, to ensure comfort, safety and efficiency in rough conditions, allowing you to focus.
Any species you’d still like to capture?
The underwater world has always captivated me – I dreamed of being a marine biologist as a child. Now I find joy in documenting conservation projects, especially those involving less traditionally beautiful or under-appreciated animals. So, I’d love to focus more on aquatic creatures. They play such crucial roles in the balance and health of our marine ecosystems.
Do you have one top tip for budding photographers?
It would be this: stay true to what matters most to you. It’s okay to be distracted by the work of others and try to copy their style, at first – it can help you grow as a photographer.
But it’s crucial to identify what ignites your passion as you progress, whether it’s a subject or a style. It will be challenging and time-consuming, but stay committed and the results and personal fulfilment that follow will make the effort worthwhile.
See more of Jon's work at highwaysandbyways.de.
