Photographer Kiliii Yuyan is best known for his joyful grin. He has reasons to be thankful. He’s survived a hunting polar bear and charmed sea snakes. He’s found community at the edges of the world. But perhaps it is easiest to say that Kiliii is a storyteller who seeks to understand the world from many human perspectives.

From his Chinese and Nanai/Hézhè (East Asian Indigenous) ancestry, Kiliii was driven to be curious about the natural world. For two decades he built and paddled traditional kayaks, immersing himself in the practice of his ancestors. Today, he is a photographer committed to telling stories that help humanity understand itself and its relationship to mother earth.

In 2023, Kiliii received one of National Geographic’s highest honors, the Eliza Scidmore Award for Outstanding Storytelling. He contributes to publications including TIME, Vogue, WIRED, and has been honored by awards including Pictures of the Year International, Leica Oscar-Barnack, PDN and ASMP. Kiliii is currently on speaking tour with National Geographic Live. He is based out of traditional Duwamish lands (Seattle), but usually found beneath the sea or floating on Arctic ice.