Jacqueline Ratliff
Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?
My storytelling style is emotionally led. I like my stories to explore emotional depth while also illustrating a vivid connection between people and their surroundings. That is why I love to film topics that are close to my heart, such as wildlife conservation, sustainability, adventure, and more. It took time to find my voice, and I take pride in how my schooling contributed. I recently graduated from Montana State University with an MFA in Science and Natural History Filmmaking, where I had amazing opportunities to produce, film, and edit documentary films exploring topics ranging from sled dogs and draft horses to river sustainability and artistic welding. During trips, I endured many weeks either white water rafting on the Salmon River in Idaho or following a female musher in a 300-mile backcountry sled dog race in below-zero temperatures in northwestern Montana. My ultimate goal is to work as a wildlife cinematographer for National Geographic or a conservation-focused nonprofit that highlights environmental solutions through positive, forward-looking narratives. To help with my progress, I contribute to Rewildology, a podcast that combines adventure, conservation, and media to inspire meaningful connections with nature. While I am not yet at the full-time level I aspire to as a wildlife documentarian, I enjoy contributing what I can to bring smiles and hope to our beautiful world.
What sparked your initial interest in your career?
My interest in this career really started when I was a little girl. All I knew at the time was I wanted to do something with a camera—I just didn’t know if that meant sitting in a studio or chasing thunderstorms through the corn fields. It turns out the thunderstorms won out, and doing something a little wild was more my speed! I’ve always been inspired by photographers and storytellers who made the world feel bigger and more alive, from Ansel Adams Yosemite landscapes to Dorothea Lange's Dust Bowl Migrant Mother photograph to Jonathan and Angela Scott’s breathtaking safari photographs. Even in fictional films like Twister, I always said: “Wow, what if I were the camerawoman!” As I grew up, I slowly shifted my view towards wildlife conservation documentaries, which really helped narrow in on what I wanted to do, because they showed me how powerful visual storytelling can be in helping people see the beauty of the world and to share curiosity with one another. Learning about Sophia Darlington and seeing her incredible work helped me realize just how impactful conservation filmmaking is. During graduate school, watching Nuisance Bear helped push me to think more experimentally and immersively about how people experience stories about wildlife and coexistence. By graduate school, everything finally clicked: I want to use film and photography to share what I see with the world so others can feel connected to it too—and to remind people that it’s okay to try the impossible, because you never know when you might make it possible.
Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
Definitely my mom and dad. They never made me feel like my dreams were too big, and that has meant everything to me. They always let me dream freely, supported me when I needed it, and most importantly, truly believed that I could do the things I set my heart on. Where I’m from, not a lot of people leave my small village—which is completely okay—but I always knew I wanted to experience more of the world. I wanted to travel, explore, and do the kinds of things many people either don’t get the chance to do or don’t think are possible for themselves. My dad, who is an Eagle Scout, inspired my adventurous side. I grew up loving his stories, from Philmont to his remote high-adventure trip to Canada, and those stories made me want to go out and have adventures of my own. At some point, I realized—why can’t I have fun and get paid too? My mom is truly my best friend, and she has always encouraged me to chase my dreams, even when it meant watching me head off on another trip. Through the years, I have been incredibly lucky to have professors, mentors, friends, and family members who have rooted for me every step of the way. And my sister is my personal cheerleader—I’ll always be hers too—and together, we believe we can do some pretty amazing things.
What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?
What fascinates me most about my work is the opportunity to travel to places that feel unknown and to tell stories about things that aren’t always immediately seen or understood. I love the unpredictability of it all—never fully knowing what’s coming next is honestly part of the fun. There’s something incredibly exciting about stepping into new environments, adapting in real time, and coming back home thinking, “Well… I survived that!” One experience that really captures why I love this work was helping a friend and colleague on her thesis project during an eight-day whitewater river expedition down the Salmon River in Idaho. We were in some of the most remote wilderness in the lower 48, floating through burn zones, navigating Class IV rapids, recording interviews, capturing wild soundscapes, and witnessing undisturbed wildlife and ancient petroglyphs. Experiences like that remind me exactly why I do this work—because adventure, storytelling, and discovery all come together in a way that feels unforgettable.
How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?
I first heard about the Ocean Exploration Trust Video System Engineering internship opportunity as a graduate teaching assistant at Montana State University. Here, one of my graduate students/colleagues had been accepted into the program and was telling us about the program. I then looked it up and was amazed! I had never heard of this organization before. After a few years of school, I decided to apply, and the next thing I knew, I got accepted. Now I am super excited for what is to come and can’t wait to get out on the sea for the very first time.
What other jobs led you to your current career?
Before fully stepping into my career in filmmaking and conservation storytelling, I built my path through a wide range of jobs and creative experiences that shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve worked as a producer, director, cinematographer, editor, and sound recordist on documentary projects covering subjects such as a female artistic welder for my thesis film, a draft horse sanctuary, and Yellowstone National Park weather stations. Through freelance work, I’ve also gained experience as a content creator and social media assistant for Rewildology, a photographer for the College Weightlifting National Championships, a videographer for college rugby and lacrosse, and a live sports camera operator. My graduate teaching assistantship helped sharpen my leadership and technical skills through equipment management and teaching, while my internships with The Dawes Arboretum and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources deepened my experience in conservation-focused photo, video, writing, and digital storytelling. My other jobs: tractor rides at a botanical farm and serving as a student manager in university catering taught me resilience, teamwork, problem-solving, and how to stay calm and dependable in fast-paced environments. Altogether, these roles have not only built my technical abilities but also reinforced the strong work ethic, determination, and curiosity that continue to drive me forward in this career.
What are your degrees and certifications?
Bachelor of Science in Communication: Media Arts & Studies - Integrated Media
Minors: Geography, History, and Communication Studies; Ohio University, Athens, Ohio - 2021
Master of Fine Arts: Science and Natural History Filmmaking; Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
What are your hobbies?
Outside of work, I love pretty much anything that gets me outdoors, from kayaking to winter camping. I love spending time with my dog, Moose, and my two cats, Kitty and Lulu. Some of my favorite moments are just being with friends and family—whether that’s bonfire nights or creek days. Whenever I get the chance, I also love to travel, explore new places, and, honestly, catch up on sleep whenever I get the chance!
What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?
Do not stop trying, and be patient. In a career like wildlife filmmaking, patience is one of the biggest keys to success. Trust me, I’m still learning it myself, but after two years, I finally caught a break. Keep learning—whether that’s through school, YouTube videos, networking, or simply trying something new. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. It can be scary, but fear is often the only thing standing between you and your full potential. Always be looking for the next opportunity, because sometimes it lands right into your lap, and other times you have to work hard and stay persistent for what you want. Some things take time, patience, and perseverance, but I can promise you this: it will absolutely be worth it in the long run. Lastly, never stop dreaming!
