American photojournalistJustin Mottis using the power of photography to shed light on important stories of animal conservation.
Mott’s long-term projectKindred Guardiansis a look at the men and women who dedicate their lives to saving wildlife.
He left behind two femalesFatu and Najinwho continue to graze the same grounds that he walked.
What first attracted you to photography and, in particular,photojournalism?
At first, it was just a way to get out of the classroom.
I was studying journalism at San Francisco State University and a photojournalism class was a pre-requisite for my major.
I was never happy sitting still in a classroom and listening to lectures.
Im the jot down of person who needs to be moving and interacting with people.
One day I came across the bookCollateral Damage in Vietnamby Magnum photographer Philip Jones Griffiths.
Im not a crier, but that book made me weep.
I can still remember sitting on the floor of Borders trying to hide my tears.
How did moving to Vietnam impact your creative work?
I moved to Vietnam before my career even started, with about one year of classes left before graduation.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions Ive ever made.
I was able to fail and experiment, and discover who I was as a photographer.
When didKindred Guardiansbegin and what prompted you to undertake the documentation of these important stories?
Ive loved animals since I was a little kid and Ive always had sympathy for them.
After that experience, I cowardly hid from any forms of animal cruelty.
Im not proud of that, but it happened, and I regret not covering it.
(continued)When I turned 40 last year I knew something was missing from my life.
I love and respect that man.
I started imagining doing a long-term project photographing people around the world who dedicate their lives to animal welfare.
In particular, what brought you to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
How long did you spend with the rhinos and caretakers, and what surprised you most about their bond?
I was there for one week.
Did you have any preconceived notions of how your time would unfold?
And if so, how did the experience meet those expectations?
Fatu and Nain do live with a Southern White Rhino named Tauwo.
She acts as their protector, a security guard really.
Can you share a bit about the dangers the caretakers endure to protect these animals?
At sunrise, we walked past fresh lion tracks and stumbled upon a wild rhino with her calf.
In addition to the danger of poachers, these men spend the night camping and walking amongst deadly animals.
They were fired upon by three poachers during their patrol.
In self-defense, they killed all three of them.
It just shows you how deadly their job can be and how much these guardians are willing to sacrifice.
I believe in being upfront with people.
It can be awkward having a stranger follow you around for 14 hours a day for a week.
Was there a particular moment or experience at the Conservancy that stood out for you?
When I arrived at Ol Pejeta and I touched the horn of Najin, it was just so special.
What do you hope the public takes away from the work that happens at the Conservancy?
I hope people have sympathy for these beautiful animals and their plight.
I ask a lot, but Im an optimistic person and I havent lost all faith in mankind.
Why do you think it’s important for photographers to help shed light on these social issues?
I recently finished this chapter of the project and already Ive been flooded with kind emails.
This project is showing me the best and worst of mankind.
Im trying to line up stories about orangutans, gibbons, elephants, and a dog shelter in Thailand.
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