I’m a Biologist and Wildlife/Conservationist Photographer from Brazil. During my biology studies and for a few, following years, I worked with wild and marine animals rehabilitation. Although being able to help and make a difference was very gratifying, it also left a mark—seeing so disturbing numbers of animals suffering and death caused by human action, such as ingestion of plastic, habitat loss illegal trafficking, and many more, was genuinely traumatic.It was when I realized the true power of photography. I could see how much eye-opening sharing those animals’ stories with my friends, family and everyone, who would listen was. And shortly after, for the first time in my life, I found myself staring in the eyes of a humpback whale. Aside from feeling incredibly excited and like a tiny speck, at the same time, I knew that my life is going to change from that very moment. And it has.For the last few years I’ve been traveling around the world, hoping to discover and document lives of amazing and fascinating animals, to make sure that their voice is heard through my words and imagery, to make sure that they can live in peace. I strongly believe that our duty, but also a passion is to make other people fall in love with nature and simply become its ambassadors. I hope we can protect our planet together!My photographs and articles have been published in Brazil, London and it was chosen a few times for Nat Geo and BBC Earth website. I'm working now in a book about all 3 species of Puffins, and doing an important project documenting the illegal wildlife trade in South America. @AndreaSchmidt_Bio