National Geographic contributing photographer Jonathan Kingston specializes in documenting maritime archaeology, natural history, and the human stories that shape our world. As a founding member of Submerged Archaeological Conservancy International, he bridges the gap between scientific research and visual storytelling.
My mission is to inspire a better understanding of the world through the tools of science, exploration and storytelling.
-Jonathan Kingston
Vision & Approach
One eye of the photographer looks wide open through the viewfinder, the other, the closed, looks into his own soul.
– Henri Cartier-Bresson
Life has repeatedly taught me that the world is full of wonder and tragedy and endless stories—and that these stories, when told skillfully and truthfully, are fatal to bigotry and narrow-mindedness.
My north star is creating narratives that foster understanding of the natural history and human story of our world. I’m passionate about using photography as a scientific tool to further research and give the often obscure world of science a visual voice. If a story requires spending days camping on the side of a cliff or in an ocean vessel – bring it on.
Journey & Experience
My perspective has been shaped by extraordinary experiences:
- Leading every pitch on El Capitan’s famous Nose route in Yosemite as a teenager
- Being adopted by an Apsáalooke family while volunteering on the Crow Indian reservation
- Riding a Royal Enfield motorcycle through India for two years, including a life-changing battle with typhoid fever in Tamil Nadu
- Living in a VW van while exploring the USA
- Circumnavigating the world by ship
- Finding solace in playing violin during quiet moments
Professional Work
My photography has appeared in National Geographic, The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal. I’ve worked on two National Geographic Society grants and regularly teach as a photo expert for Nat Geo Expeditions. While proud of accolades from Communication Arts and PDN photo annual competitions and my honors degree from Brooks Institute of Photography, I remain constantly inspired by my peers and the brilliant scientists and archaeologists I collaborate with.
Teaching & Sharing
As a contributing photographer at National Geographic and photo instructor, I’m passionate about sharing field techniques and insights. This website exists to inspire your inner nomad to pick up a camera and see the world. Here, I share freely what both my outward and inner eye have seen and comprehended.
Let’s Collaborate
Great stories aren’t told without great collaborations. Do you have a story that needs to be told? Let’s work together.
Contact
- Phone: +1.541.719.8282
- Email: assignments (at) kingstonimages.com