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 been working on a long-term project chronicling indigenous diversity and changing indigenous cultures within the Philippines. His work draws on both the vast distinctiveness of indigenous communities and on the many parallels between their worldviews and his – one of interconnectedness, holistic knowledge, relationships, and a strong connection with the land.

Jacob is a project photographer with Blue Earth Alliance, a community of professionals that supports visual storytelling on critical environmental and social issues. He has a background in conservation biology. 

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

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