1 .Tell us something about you.

I live for tigers and my goal in life is to secure the species a long term future. I am currently a member of the International Tiger Coalition and will be living in Thailand in a short period of time to do field work in conservation.

2. When did you start with photography or drawing?

I started photography in 2003 through a high-school media arts course.

3. What equipment do you use? And what do you recommend (equipment wise)

I use a Sony DSC-H7 camera. I would recommend it to people who want a higher end digital camera, without the hassles of going for a DSLR. However, I would love to own a Canon Rebel.

4. Where is your favourite shooting place?

The zoo...specifically Jungle Cat World, where I volunteer.

5. Do you have some tips for people concerning big cat photography?

Have respect for your subjects...they shouldn't simply be a number. Instead, endeavor to tell something about the animal and do what you can to educate and inspire people to get to know them. They lend their beauty to you so you are indebted to them. Helping their species is a great way to give back.

6. Why do you like big cat photography and what was your first photograph that was your personal favourite

I like big cat photography because it is an opportunity for me personally to capture personal moments with big cats I work with, but most importantly it gives me an opportunity to engage people about big cats. I aim to get people to become familiar with animals and species so that they can develop a connection and fall in love with them. As Steve Irwin would say, people want to save things that they love...conservation is my ultimate goal and photography helps me with that.

My first photo that was my favourite would have to be one of a little sweetheart named Kumara ( [link]). Usually she would get really hyper if I was near so I could never get a good photo of her. She happened to pause for a moment which was when I took the photo. Her charming personality shines through in the photo and it will always be special to me.

7. Which Big cat is your favourite and why?

The tiger...however, it is a bit complicated. It is a long, fateful story. In the end, the tiger has a special place with me and it is a connection that runs deep.

I have soft spots for the snow leopard, lion and cougar though...

8. Which Big cat is your favourite photo/drawing object?

The tiger, simply because I think they are one of the most beautiful animals ever to walk the earth.

9. Tell us an interesting fact of a big cat.

There may be fewer than 3500 tigers left in the wild with numbers still decreasing.

10. What would be your dream location to photograph Big cats?

India!

11. Who is your favourite photographer/artist that inspires you?

My favourite photographer might just be Colin Dunjohn for his amazing tiger photos. Artist? God, surely.

12. How did you get interested in Big Cats?

My interest in big cats began when I first found out what was happening to the tiger in the wild. I researched, went to a zoo and communicated with one. It was profound enough that I wanted to do something to help, so I dropped everything in my life to go into tiger conservation. Working with, photographing and learning about other big cats soon followed.