Interviewed by We Animals Media

“ Animals Media (WAM): Which came first for you: animals or photography? Can you tell us a little about your path to where you are today?

Justin Mott (JM): Animals came first. I grew up in a small town in Smithfield, Rhode Island and my neighbourhood was surrounded by nature. My father taught me to respect wildlife. He always told this story from his childhood about when he killed a robin with a pellet gun and that he felt bad for that moment his entire life. I never found out if that story was true or not, but it had an impact on me. People can underestimate how impactful our parents can be and how their teachings lay the foundation for our interaction with the environment.

WAM: What do you enjoy most about your work? What do you find most challenging?

JM: I’m inspired by the people I choose to document; I’m truly fascinated with them. They live a life of purpose, and they make a difference for the better, every single day. I just have so much respect for them and they push me to be the best I can possibly be at my job.

The most challenging part is getting people to trust you and I completely understand why. These people put everything they have into their work and to let you into that world takes a lot of trust. Add to that, I need the time to tell the stories accurately and with depth so I’m often shadowing them for a week or more, which is hard to put up with.

WAM: Your project “Kindred Guardians” documents people around the world who dedicate their lives to helping animals in need. Why is this an important project?

JM: It’s important for me for three reasons. Firstly, documenting the people I feature in the project highlights the work these crusaders do. They don’t do it for credit, but it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve it. Secondly, I hope the smaller story brings attention to the larger situation. Take the gibbons story for example: I want people to see Bam’s dedication to her work rescuing and rehabilitating Malaysia’s gibbons but also to see and understand the issue of the pet trade industry and what it does to wildlife. Lastly, all the images I take are donated to the organization or individual featured. Many rely on donors so it’s imperative they have powerful images and stories that show the work they do and the need for financial help. “

Read my full interview below.