My Story
JOHN POTTS (Jonny)
Wildlife Photographer | Ecuador
I'm a wildlife photographer passionate about discovering & capturing the wonders of our natural world.
My photographic journey began a decade ago, shaping how I see the world around me. From the smallest frogs to soaring birds and elusive mammals, I'm looking for their unique story to tell through my lens.
Since leaving the UK in 2002, I've made my home in beautiful Quito, high in the Andes Mountains. This incredible location serves as my base while I travel throughout Ecuador and beyond, constantly seeking new wildlife encounters and photographic experiences.
83
Countries Visited Around the
Globe
53
Revolutions of
the Sun
23
Years Living Happily in South America
113
Plants Lovingly
Cared for in my
Quito Apartment
TOURISM PROFESSIONAL
Founder of Happy Gringo Travel, one of Ecuador's leading tourism operators specializing in mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. Over two decades in the industry, we've crafted unforgettable experiences for more than 10,000 satisfied travelers.
Our commitment to exceptional service has earned us prestigious awards and consistently high ratings on TrustPilot and TripAdvisor.
Happy Gringo has allowed me to combine my wildlife expertise and intimate knowledge of Ecuador to create authentic, sustainable travel experiences that connect visitors with the natural wonders I'm passionate about protecting and sharing.
BLOG WRITER
Recognized blogger & thought leader with 120+ posts about travel in South America.
My posts have received 100k+ readers over the years, on topics as diverse as travel safety, destination guides, cultural insights, and wildlife encounters.
My writing covers diverse topics including travel safety, destination guides, cultural insights, and wildlife encounters.
Each post draws from years of firsthand experience exploring this remarkable continent, providing readers with authentic perspectives
SONY SHOOTER
My photography is powered by Sony's cutting-edge mirrorless technology—the a7R V and a1 II cameras. These exceptional bodies deliver the perfect combo of high-resolution imaging, lightning-fast autofocus, and impressive frame rates essential for capturing wildlife in motion.
For wildlife portraits, my Sony 300mm F2.8 G lens is indispensable. My kit also includes the FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS for detailed macro work & FE 16-35mm F4 G for landscape shots showcasing animals in their natural habitats.
In challenging light, I rely on my Godox V860II & Sony GN28 flash units, paired with an AK diffuser to illuminate subjects in soft light ensuring ethical photography practices.
© 2026 by Wildlife with Jonny (John Potts).