CONSERVATION
photography
Science-based visual storytelling for nature conservation
Marcello Hernández-Blanco
Conservation photographer | Ecological economist | Writer
I combine conservation science, photography and writing to help organizations tell compelling, scientifically grounded stories about nature and the people who depend on her.
With 17+ years of international experience in nature conservation, I understand the relationships between ecosystems, human well-being and the choices that shape our future.
That background helps me ask better questions in the field: what is changing, what the evidence shows and whose perspective belongs in the story. I turn that understanding into photographs and accessible writing that help people see why conservation matters.
Work with me
From a focused field assignment to a complete conservation story or an ongoing partnership, I shape each project around your audience and what you need to communicate.
01 Nature Conservation Assignments
Photography grounded in conservation science.
I document wildlife, ecosystems, field research and the people behind conservation. My scientific background helps me recognize the details that matter and work closely with researchers, communities and project teams.
For conservation and restoration projects, protected areas and nature-based businesses, an assignment can provide a curated collection of edited photographs, informed captions and images prepared for print and digital use.
02 Visual Stories & Campaigns
Photography, research, interviews and writing to tell the whole story.
I bring images, evidence and people’s experiences together in a clear, engaging narrative. The work begins with understanding the issue and finding the story, then develops through field photography, conversations and writing.
The result can be a photo essay, a feature for your website, a donor story or a set of campaign materials, with shorter adaptations for newsletters and social media. Each story connects what is happening on the ground with why it matters.
03 Visual Content Partnerships
Ongoing photography and storytelling for your organization.
I work with your team over time to create photographs and stories across the places, people and initiatives that shape your work. Each assignment responds to your evolving needs, from documenting a new project to developing material for a campaign, publication or seasonal story.
Together, we build an organized visual content library with captions and context, giving your team a consistent source of original material for reports, fundraising and communications. The schedule and mix of photography and writing are agreed around your priorities.
Featured project: Book on the ecological and social benefits of private protected areas in Costa Rica
In this book, I explore four protected areas managed by the Tropical Science Center in Costa Rica, including Monteverde. Through photography and writing, I connect their biodiversity with the benefits these ecosystems provide to people.
The story also follows scientists, nature guides, farmers and local entrepreneurs whose lives and work are connected to these places.
Featured project: "Portraits of Water"
Across seven Ramsar sites in Costa Rica, I photographed people whose lives and livelihoods are connected to wetlands. These portraits bring a human perspective to the benefits of healthy ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.
I also conducted an economic valuation of these wetlands. Download the economic valuation report (PDF in Spanish)
Selected Photography
