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Hello, I’m Donny Fernando, a communication specialist working at the intersection of conservation, community empowerment, and environmental storytelling. I design programs that connect field realities to broader conservation goals, translating ecological complexity into narratives that build awareness, shift behavior, and mobilize action.…

Donny Fernando

Photographer, Cinematographer, Director of Photography, +2

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Hello, I’m Donny Fernando, a communication specialist working at the intersection of conservation, community empowerment, and environmental storytelling. I design programs that connect field realities to broader conservation goals, translating ecological complexity into narratives that build awareness, shift behavior, and mobilize action.…

Available to hire

Hello, I’m Donny Fernando, a communication specialist working at the intersection of conservation, community empowerment, and environmental storytelling. I design programs that connect field realities to broader conservation goals, translating ecological complexity into narratives that build awareness, shift behavior, and mobilize action.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

DaVinci Resolve Studio

Intermediate

GIMP

Intermediate

Tableau

Intermediate

Language

English

Advanced

Dutch

Advanced

Work Experience

Photojournalist & Communication Strategist at National Geographic Indonesia

February 1, 2021 - Present

Led end-to-end photography and editorial production across digital and print platforms: 15+ magazine editions and 260+ weekly posts reaching 25M+ cumulative audience. Independently covered remote field locations across the Indonesian archipelago, delivering high-quality visual content under deadlines. Developed narrative-driven photo essays that increased social media engagement by 35%. Recognized four times by National Geographic Global for excellence in translating environmental topics into compelling visual narratives across 30 international editions. Maintained networks with 50+ NGOs, research institutions, and stakeholders to support editorial missions.

Biodiversity Storytelling Grantee (Independent Photographer) at Earth Journalism Network

October 1, 2025 - Present

Selected from 100,000+ applicants to lead an independent $2,000 grant photography project, managing the full lifecycle from planning and budgeting to delivery and impact reporting. Produced a multi-channel visual media campaign that achieved 740K+ views, demonstrating remote content production capability and self-management in the field. Led documentation of community-based conservation initiatives, bridging local stakeholders with international sustainability frameworks, showcasing cross-cultural adaptability.

Multimedia Journalist & Photographer at The Jakarta Post

September 1, 2016 - December 1, 2020

Produced 200+ published photographs and multimedia content covering major national events, including Jakarta's 2020 flooding and the Lion Air crash. Reported on environmental crises, social issues, and public policy under fast-paced newsroom conditions, building versatile photography and field reporting capabilities. Received the Best Feature Award from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (2016) for visual storytelling on social responsibility topics.

Sustainability Communication Specialist

May 1, 2025 - Present

Collaborated with local communities in the Muria highlands to document and amplify grassroots initiatives protecting the critically endangered Javan leopard. Produced multimedia stories that strengthened environmental education and supported community-led conservation leadership.

Collaborator at Park Rangers

January 1, 2023 - Present

Collaborated with park rangers and local communities to document the biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Wasur Wetlands, contributing to conservation awareness.

Documentation Partner at Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserve

December 1, 2021 - Present

Documented traditional land stewardship and biodiversity conservation while highlighting women's leadership in community-driven conservation models.