Devon Jenkin: Using Photography to Inspire Wildlife Conservation
Devon Jenkin hosts photo safaris and sells fine art wildlife prints that showcase Africa’s wild beauty, while supporting conservation.
Based in Germany, originally from Zimbabwe, he started managing high-end safari camps and mobile expeditions in Botswana in his twenties. He then became a safari guide.
Over the years, he has also worked with international film crews, helped train the next generation of guides, and honed his skills leading specialised photographic safaris.
After 13 years of living and working in Botswana, he now runs his own African photographic safaris, sharing his passion for wildlife and photography with others.
I was interested in his mission to showcase Africa’s wildlife through his photography and to raise money for worthy conservation efforts across Southern Africa.
I am delighted to be able to share this exclusive interview I did with him and to put the spotlight on his purposeful wildlife photography. I hope you enjoy it!
Want to be featured in this Purposeful Photography Series? Get in touch to apply.
Zoe
Exclusive interview with Devon Jenkin, a photographer of African wildlife
Can you tell us about the deeper purpose behind your photography? What drives you creatively and personally?
Devon: “From the first time I picked up a camera, I was drawn to photographing nature. Over time, this evolved into a specific passion for wildlife and a desire to capture those fleeting moments of connection between subject and photographer—moments that can be frozen forever.
I grew up in Zimbabwe, where regular visits to national parks and wild areas deeply shaped my connection to the natural world. Later, my career in bush lodge management and safari guiding only intensified this bond.
Documenting my daily interactions with wildlife began as a way to learn about animal behaviour and habitats. As my skills developed, I sought to portray these creatures in a way that highlights their beauty and significance, hoping to inspire others to care for and protect them.
In today’s image-saturated world, it’s challenging to stand out, but I continue to search for genuine, intimate connections with my subjects. I aim to create images that spark emotion and, ultimately, action.
Personally, I want my photography to serve as a bridge between people and the wild. I want to contribute meaningfully to conservation and the preservation of the last truly wild places I’ve had the privilege to explore over the past decade.”
2. How did your interest in creating purposeful or impact-driven work begin? Was there a moment, experience, or project that shaped this path for you?
Devon: “The turning point came in early 2020. With the onset of COVID and the birth of my second daughter in Germany, we had to leave behind our life in Botswana and start over. As stories emerged about struggling conservation programs, increased poaching, and unpatrolled wilderness areas, I realised how urgently Africa’s wildlife needed help.
So I turned to my hard drives, revisiting years of photographs, and began curating my best work in the hopes of raising funds for frontline conservation groups. These were the same ecosystems and animals that had given me a career and countless unforgettable memories guiding safari guests.
Selling prints to support these efforts gave my photography a new sense of purpose. It allowed me, even from afar, to give back in some small way to the wildlife.”
3. In what ways do you feel your photography contributes to something bigger than just the final image—whether that’s in your local community, industry, or the wider world?
Devon: “In this digital age, we’re increasingly disconnected from nature—something that’s always been core to our identity as a species.
For me, photographing wildlife is not just about the end result. It’s about the entire process. It’s about immersing myself in the wilderness, disconnecting from daily life, and learning about something far greater than myself.
Whether I’m leading others on photographic safaris or placing a print in someone’s home, I hope to reignite that connection to nature.
If more of us cared about something beyond ourselves, I truly believe the world would be a healthier, more compassionate place.“
4. How does your sense of purpose influence how you approach your work, your subjects, or the stories you tell through your photography?
Devon: “Connection is everything in my photography, but it has to be earned through respect. When photographing wild animals, the most important part of my approach is giving them space and honouring their natural behaviour.
Wildlife photography is unique in that we are completely dependent on our subjects. Understanding their body language and behaviour is key to capturing authentic moments.
A photo of a fearful or stressed animal doesn’t tell the story I want to share. My goal is to portray wildlife in a way that builds empathy and appreciation, and that starts with giving them the respect they deserve.“
5. Can you share an example of a project, series, or moment where you saw your photography make a real impact—on someone else, on yourself, or in a broader sense?
Devon: “In April this year, I volunteered to photograph a conservation project I’ve supported for several years through calendar sales: the Bio-Boundary Project in northern Botswana.
The initiative uses scent-marking techniques. This is done to deter predators from entering livestock areas, reducing human-wildlife conflict and to protect both livestock and predators from retaliatory killings.
Over three sweltering days in the field, I documented the team’s tireless work: changing camera trap batteries, collaring goats, and meeting with concerned farmers.
While my photography hasn’t yet made a major impact on the project, the experience profoundly impacted me. Seeing their dedication renewed my resolve to contribute, even if it’s from my editing desk in Germany.“
6. What challenges or dilemmas have you encountered in creating work that has meaning beyond aesthetics, and how have you navigated them?
Devon: “This is an ongoing challenge, and likely always will be. It’s one thing to create beautiful imagery, but quite another to ensure that work resonates deeply with people in a way that inspires action. And in a saturated digital landscape, getting eyes on your work is difficult enough. Making them care is the next hurdle.
On a practical level, generating new content has become increasingly difficult since leaving Botswana. What used to be a simple drive into the bush now requires international flights, permits, vehicle costs, and more.
Sometimes I wonder if that money would be better spent directly funding a conservation program. But I believe that if I stay true to my purpose—creating meaningful work that supports wildlife protection—then these challenges will become fuel for innovation and perseverance.“
7. What advice would you give to other photographers who want to bring more purpose into their work, even if they’re not sure where to start?
Devon: “For years, my photos sat on hard drives. I loved the process of being out in the field and connecting with nature, but I lacked a clear direction. It wasn’t until we faced personal upheaval during the pandemic that I found a tangible “why” for my work.
My advice is to start there. Identify your purpose. Once you know your “why,” it becomes a compass that guides your creative choices, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. Don’t overthink it or wait for perfection.
I spent too long in that space, afraid of failing. You probably will fail, but you’ll learn, and you’ll grow. That’s been my experience, and it’s worth it.
8. What’s next—any upcoming ideas, collaborations, or goals you’re excited about?
Devon: “I’m currently rebuilding my website and preparing for the release of new print collections, so it’s an exciting time! When I started this journey, I had very little understanding of how to navigate the online world. But thanks to working with Zoe in her Visibility Blueprint programme, I’ve gained the tools and confidence to move forward with purpose and clarity.
I’m always open to collaborations, especially with conservation groups who believe my photography can support their mission. If you think we can work together to make an impact, please don’t hesitate to reach out!“
A big thanks to Devon Jenkin for sharing his story and passions with us! Visit his website to find out more about his African wildlife photography and discover his wildlife prints.
Copyright & Reproduction Notice: This interview may not be reproduced, republished, or distributed in whole or in part without prior written consent from Zoe Hiljemark. Proper attribution is required for any authorised use or excerpting.
