Jacob Maentz

Jacob Maentz is an American documentary photographer whose work explores the interplay of the natural world, culture, and identity. For more than a decade he has collaborated with various Indigenous communities and groups who have been historically marginalized in the Philippines. In his book, Homelands, Jacob listens and shares stories from within these communities—peoples who have remained rooted to place against great and unrelenting adversity. 

Jacob is a project photographer with Blue Earth Alliance, a community of professionals that supports visual storytelling on critical environmental and social issues. Jacob studied wildlife & conservation biology at Colorado State University and served as a Peace Corps volunteer from 2003-2005 in Palawan.

His publications and clients include (selected): Geographical Magazine (UK), Orion Magazine, BBC Travel, Discovery Channel Magazine, GEO, Lonely Planet, The Guardian, DestinAsian, National Geographic Traveler, World Food Programme, UNESCO, Rights & Resources Initiative, World Wildlife Fund, Philippine Department of Tourism, Chrysler, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), World Animal Protection, SEE International and Save the Children.

Jacob is currently expanding his work to look at the intersection of traditional knowledge, conservation, and climate change. He is available for assignments globally.