Jonathan Kingston is a National Geographic contributing photographer and founding member of Submerged Archaeological Conservancy International. His work focuses primarily on maritime archaeology, natural history and the human story of this world; combining science, exploration and storytelling to inspire a better understanding of our world and its inhabitants.
My work has appeared in National Geographic Magazine and has been used commercially by Fortune 500 companies. I have worked on two grants from the National Geographic Society, graduated with honors from Brooks Institute of Photography and have won accolades in numerous international photography competitions. Big deal? Not really. I am constantly humbled and inspired by the amazing work of my peers and am motivated to up my game whenever given the chance. I am humbled by the tenacity and brilliance of the scientists and archaeologists I have collaborated with in the past and am motivated to help them further their work.
Great stories aren't told without great collaborations... Do you have a great story that needs to be told? Let’s collaborate.
- Jonathan Kingston
Philosophy
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. It fires me up to use 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.
Explorer
Experiences shaping my vision include leading every pitch on El Capitan’s famous Nose route in Yosemite as a teenager and being adopted by an Apsaálooke family while volunteering on the Crow Indian reservation as a young adult. Riding a Royal Enfield motorcycle in India for two years and nearly dying of typhoid fever in a rural hospital in Tamil Nadu. Living in a VW van while exploring the USA and circumnavigating the world on a ship. Occasionally I pick up my violin and get lost playing music. Someday I hope to redpoint a 5.14.
Teacher
Matched by my love of photography is a passion for teaching. I regularly teach as a photo expert for National Geographic Expeditions, have authored an instructional DVD on Photoshop and served on the faculty of India’s first photographic college, Light & Life Academy, for two years.
Award Winning Photography
My Clients
University of Miami | Citibank | American Airlines | Diageo/Captain Morgan Rum | National Geographic Magazine | The New York Times | Taylor Strategy | INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia) | Sundance Film Channel | Geo Saison | The Times Journal of Photography | Tetherow Golf Club | National Geographic Traveler | National Geographic Adventure
Brigham Young University | Marine Magnetics | Archaeology Magazine | Backpacker Magazine | Hemispheres Magazine | American Journal of Public Health | The Wall Street Journal | Discovery.com | PopularMechanics.com | FoxNews.com | CNNgo.com | HuffingtonPost.com | Institute for Shipboard Education/Semester At Sea | VisionWorkshops
Voyage to Antarctica – Jan 1-12, 2027
March 4, 2026EXPEDITION OVERVIEW - Explore Antarctica with National Geographic Expeditions. Explore penguin colonies, towering icebergs & glaciers by Zodiac and ka...
Ancient Traditions & Natural Wonders of the World by Private Jet – Apr 30-May 20, 2026
March 3, 2026EXPEDITION OVERVIEW - Explore 7 countries in 22 days by private jet with National Geographic Expeditions. From Kyoto's temples to Kenya's Maasai Mara,...
India by Rail Photography Expedition – Feb 9-19, 2026
March 11, 2025EXPEDITION OVERVIEW - Photograph the palaces, deserts, wildlife, and street life of Rajasthan aboard the iconic Palace on Wheels — a luxury train jour...
Fire & Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland, Jun 3-10, 2025
March 9, 2024EXPEDITION OVERVIEW - Mountain bike or hike the scenic trails around Borgarfjarðarhöfn. Or take a leisurely walk along the island's distinct pathways ...
Fire & Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland, May 27-Jun 3, 2025
March 8, 2024EXPEDITION OVERVIEW - Mountain bike or hike the scenic trails around Borgarfjarðarhöfn. Or take a leisurely walk along the island's distinct pathways ...
On Safari: Tanzania’s Great Migration, Sep 10-18, 2024
February 5, 2024EXPEDITION OVERVIEW – Seek out the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti as you keep watch for the spectacular wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater...
TESTIMONIAL
Contact Jonathan
+1-541-719-8282 or via the email form below