04 & 05 JACOB EMERSON, AUSTRALIA

The Gold Coast marine animal keeper is passionate about seals and sea lions, both as a profession and as a hobby. Emerson has been working with animals since he was

16. He studied conservation biology at university, and is formally trained in animal care. Photographing local fauna for over eight years, he always plans his travels according to the wildlife present in each location. “I love being able to show people the wonderful wildlife that I see, especially endangered species. Because in 10, 20 or 50 years, we may not be able to see these animals ever again,” he says. He is also interested in documenting the unique behaviour of Australia's endemic wildlife of his country, such as kangaroos and koalas.