"I use photography to bridge the gap between science and emotion, helping people appreciate, understand, and protect the natural world."

Since I was two or three years old, even though I couldn’t speak properly, my fascination for animals around the world was noticeable. My family was amazed I could easily identify species they had never even heard of.  Since then, my passion for the wildlife and conservation started to grow, becoming an important part of my childhood. My friends would be watching cartoons or Disney movies, but in my case I loved watching documentaries about animals and their environment.

 When I was thirteen years old, I got the opportunity to buy a digital camera with my personal savings. Day and night I thought about my camera and how I could use it to take better, more unique photographs. Then one day it hit me: I could merge my two passions in life, photography and wildlife. 

With my two found passions I have been able to volunteer in reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. I have worked as a volunteer placing camera traps for the research of big cats in the Cabo Corrientes area and as a bird tour guide at Vallarta Botanical Gardens. In addition, I have also worked as a bird and photography tour guide with the company I founded, Lifer Expeditions.

 I volunteered in projects with Audubon society in San Diego as a bird photographer. I took a gap year in which I am working to save money so I can discover and explore the natural wonders in Africa traveling to East Africa. I did an internship work with Bird Uganda Safaris, LTD offered by Managing Director, Sir Herbert Byaruhanga, where I captured the unique bird species along with the big game of the country, learning and researching about behaviors as well as unique characteristics of the species that where new for this young naturalist.

My passions drove me to photograph amazing and unique species in various parts of the Americas, from the Amazon in Peru, South America to the Boreal forest in BC Canada and all in between.  Birdwatching and bird photography requires lots of patience and extreme dedication. That’s why most birdwatchers with who I have shared my experience are older adults whom have been very impressed that a young man like myself is interested and very knowledgeable about the birdwatching world. 

Wildlife photography is more than taking a good picture, it is capturing the sense and the uniqueness of the fauna. Most of the time you will be hiking, searching or waiting for hours for that one specie just to get one amazing photograph. Most people don’t know everything that is behind an amazing photograph. It is not just having the best equipment but also really knowing the specie’s behavior and how it will react to your presence. 

I have participated in national and international contests such as Wildlife Photographer of the year 2020, in which I was one of the finalists with two of my photographs.  I have been published multiple times in the CMFN (Comunidad Mexicana de Fotógrafos de Naturaleza/ Mexican Community of Wildlife Photographers), Vallarta Botanical Gardens website and monthly magazine. I won Blue feet Expeditions photography contest and my photograph was displayed in the Anthropology Museum in Guadalajara, Mexico.  I am  also grateful to have had the opportunity of seeing many species in their natural environment, to have the tools and knowledge to capture their individual beauty and to be able to share with others about the amazing fauna we have on our planet. Wildlife photography is key to create awareness about the conservation of our environment. 

December 14, 2021 To whom it may concern: This fall, I have had the pleasure of working with Giancarlo Velmarch as a volunteer for San Diego Audubon Society. Giancarlo came to me seeking opportunities to lead field trips. When we receive requests like this we are usually both excited and nervous, because field trip leadership is a very special skill. In order to do this task, one must be charismatic, have the ability to share their knowledge while also encouraging trip participants to contribute their knowledge, and have an interest in shepherding participants to a higher level of knowledge and confidence. They have to know their birds and also know how to be with people. It is very difficult to find volunteers who exhibit all of these qualities. 

I needed a few extra leaders for the San Diego Bird Photography Festival, and brought him in to help. He proved to have all of the necessary skills we seek. We had not done walks that centered on bird photography before. He brought his equipment, pointed out birds, and helped people get better views. The walks at the festival were so successful, we added them to our monthly Bird Walks schedule. Giancarlo helped launch this new program. He was able to lead two field trips for us before moving on for school and travels. We are going to continue offering these field trips and adding leaders. It wouldn’t have happened without Giancarlo!

 I should also mention that Giancarlo has integrity and puts effort behind following through with his commitments. When I first asked him to help out, I was unaware that he did not have a car. In San Diego, it is difficult to get to all corners of the county without a vehicle. His lack of a vehicle was not a barrier to his participation. He was always where he needed to be with the equipment he needed.

 He is definitely a person who goes the extra mile. I enjoyed working with him. 

Jen Hajj Events and Membership Coordinator San Diego Audubon Society 

4010 Morena Blvd Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92117