I blend my backgrounds in the biological sciences and photojournalism with the intent to share images and stories that advocate the preservation of biodiversity and threatened habitats. Because sea turtles swim all of Earth’s ocean basins and migrate across political and geographical barriers, telling their story is a way of communicating the overarching necessity of international cooperation in conservation initiatives. In 2007, I began a photographic project called “Faces of Chelonia,” which attempts to strengthen the international sea turtle community through the creation of a global, visual perspective of sea turtle conservation. I am pleased to contribute my photographic work to SWOT in the hopes of inspiring greater conservation action.
I am keenly working to establish a better identity, or recognition, for conservation photography, an emerging genre that could arguably be described differently from nature and wildlife photography by consequence of the conservation photographer's participatory role.
A single voice collectively heard as a symphony of many has strength in communication a message for conservation. Working with the people on the SWOT Team and others affiliated will remain my goal while I cover sea turtle conservation with my photography.
phone: 740.818.6400
website: www.neileverosborne.com
country: Canada
The first person to show me a wild sea turtle was Catalina Reyes. On one night patrol Catalina and I found a sea turtle tied to some vegetation with rope. The poor animal was exhausted, helplessly slapping flippers in an attempt to escape. Without hesitation Catalina helped release the turtle so it could make its way back to the sea. Watching Catalina's devotion to these animals was quite an inspiring site. I have since met other committed people involved in conservation, all of whom are helping me spread a conservation message with my photography. My last magazine assignment took me to Jean Beasley's rehab center in Carolina. She is an incredible woman whose dedication is unsurpassed. It is meeting people like these two that is my favorite part about being involved in the turtle community.
