Marilyn Maxwell on using art to inspire conservation support

What inspired your love of African wildlife?

When I was very young, I was fascinated by the fables in Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories about African animals. When my dad took me to the zoo, I realized those animals were real, and I was awestruck. In 2013, I traveled to Tanzania, and my heart broke when I discovered they are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. That experience made me want to dedicate my photography to helping protect them.

Tell us about your art.

I photograph in black and white because it has a timeless quality—each photo could be from any point in time. I use a converted infrared camera, which gives these images striking qualities—strong contrast and almost glowing vegetation. To me, the approach suits the subject perfectly. When I’m photographing, I feel energized and focused—I want that energy to come through in each print so the viewer pauses, looks, and feels a genuine connection to the animal and its habitat.