Bold Journey Magazine

Meet Jennifer Leigh Warner

June 20, 2023

We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Leigh Warner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer Leigh, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
When I was about eight years old I was obsessed with the big cats of Africa, especially the cheetah. After learning that the cheetah was Africa’s most endangered big cat and that their population was in steep decline I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to wildlife conservation. When I was introduced to a special from National Geographic about a photographer who went to Africa to photograph cheetahs I realized that I could use photography as a tool to get people to care about the animals that I loved so much.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
For nearly two decades I have been working as a wildlife conservation photographer. I am blessed with the opportunity to work with non-profits, such as the cheetah conservation fund, girls who click, the North American Nature Photography Association as well as many more to spread their message for conservation.

Working as a photographer doesn’t always mean that I am out taking pictures. I use my photography to educate and mentor other photographers, through leading workshops, public speaking and writing articles. I also share my images through fine art image sales at art festivals, galleries and museum shows. These events allow me to have a wider reach to get my message of hope for the natural world out to as many people as possible.

Over the last year I was invited to partner with the photo tour company Wildside Nature Tours, where I lead photo tours and workshops all over the world. I am also the Ethics Committee Chair for the North American Nature Photography Association and was also just elected to their Board of Directors. This past May they honored me with winning the NANPA Mission Award for the work I have done for the organization in nature photography ethics education and outreach.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back the skills that are most needed along my journey were, first, the ability to network, the more people you can have in your corner the further your reach will be. People don’t buy photos, they invest in the person behind the camera. Second is understanding business and marketing. Photographers who work for themselves, like most of us do, need to wear many hats. They need to know how to promote themselves, how to run a business effectively and efficiently and know when and were to invest in themselves. Last but not least is having a great understanding of your subject. Knowing everything there is to know about the animals or habitats you are photographing in will help you create meaningful images.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Collaborating is truly the key to success in a career in conservation photography. I am constantly looking for collaborators. These can be nonprofits looking for photographers to help tell their story. It can be publications wanting quality images for their readers. It can be organizations looking for speakers or workshop leaders helping to teach their members a new skill. I also love collaborating with other storytellers, such as writers, film makers and other photographers.

My door is always open for collaboration.

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