I am Eiko Jones, a photographer, film maker, adventurer and dad           

who has lived and traveled in many places overseas, capturing the essence of diverse landscapes and the people among them. Recently, I made a big decision to return from living in Canada to the enchanting landscapes of New Zealand. This homecoming is more than a personal journey; it’s a time of re-working my creative spirit and career amidst the unique beauty of Aotearoa. I feel like I am coming home to myself.

Growing up amidst the dramatic and wild landscapes of Central Otago, my formative years were infused with the spirit of exploration and wonder. The diverse landscapes and wildlife left an indelible mark on my artistic sensibilities. At the age of fourteen I was shooting a slr camera, fascinated with capturing the unique birdlife of New Zealand.

My early photographic journey propelled me internationally, sea kayaking and traveling along the wild coastline of British Columbia and Alaska, and eventually settling for many years on beautiful Vancouver Island.
Through artistic and dramatic imagery, my work became about drawing attention to the entire environment and watersheds, from the mountaintops all the way down, and into our vast, but fragile oceans. Particularly I focused on underwater imaging of the incredible life cycle of the Pacific salmon species, and the accompanying ecosystems around them.

Eventually I moved into cinematography and film making. I produced two independent documentaries, featuring salmon, one of which has won several awards in film festivals. I also worked as a natural history cinematographer on shoots for the BBC, National Geographic, and other production companies.

Eiko Jones, a New Zealand cinematographer
Eiko Jones salmon photographer
Sockeye salmon during sunset on the Adams River, BC

More recently I have been developing a calling and deeper interest in the human condition. I wanted to do a film about some aspect of mental health. My teenage daughter faced struggles in her life, and I felt powerless to really help her at times. When she started skydiving in 2021, I began to chronicle the journey with my camera. Once I saw the profound impact it was having on her, I really felt compelled to tell this amazing story. Thus, the idea for a short film began to take shape. It also inspired me to start learning this strange and exciting sport and the filming was done during this time. Being able to not only witness the progress and film it, but experience it myself firsthand, and bring it to life in the form of this emotional film has been one of the highlights of my filming career.

 

Fueled by a desire to reconnect with my roots and seek fresh inspiration, I’ve returned to New Zealand, setting up my creative base in the land that first ignited my passion for photography. The allure of New Zealand’s landscapes and light now serves as both muse and backdrop for my evolving body of work. I am embarking on new projects that showcase the beauty and diversity of New Zealand’s rugged beauty along with the humans that call this land home.  

I moved away from New Zealand before I really became an adult. Coming back has been an interesting journey to say the least. Looking out at the familiar landscapes, and hearing the haunting calls of the native birds, which are indelibly etched in my brain, I feel like I have arrived home. However, establishing a career and life here has at times made me feel like a foreigner.  

As I settle back into the rhythms of New Zealand life, I’m not only rediscovering my creative roots but also wanting to contribute to the cultural and environmental legacy of Aotearoa.

Eiko and Corina learning to skydive

My daughter and I during the filming of “Letting Go”

Eiko Jones filming in NZ mountains

Shooting on the Emmy nominated reality TV show “Race to Survive- NZ”

Waiting for our ride off Rainbow Pass during filming of “Race to Survive-NZ”

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