@daisygilardini

Over the past few weeks, I’ve shared some of the interesting questions I’ve been asked over the years, and my answers. Here are a few more. Any mentors? Any formal training in photography, or are you completely self-taught? I never had any formal training in photography. Everything I know, I’ve learned in the field and by participating in photo workshops with photographers I admire. In 1999, during my first trip to Churchill, Manitoba to photograph polar bears, I met @Darrellgulin. He was the photo leader on that tour. In time, he became my mentor. Darrell is an incredible photographer who has followed, guided and supported me throughout the past 20 years. I wouldn’t be a full-time wildlife photographer today without his guidance and support. The most difficult step of transitioning from a career in financial services to photography was giving up a stable and well-paid job for a very uncertain life. Leaving the known for the unknown, leaving certainty for uncertainty . . . it’s always a scary path. As much as I don’t regret choosing a career in finance to start with — it gave me the business knowledge and financial foundation I needed for a successful career in photography — I always wished I’d transitioned a few years earlier. My main inspiration comes from my appreciation of Mother Nature and the creatures we share this planet with. Here are some of the finest interpreters of this beauty who continuously inspire me with their amazing work: @PaulNicklen, for his amazing understanding of the polar regions and underwater photography; Cherry Alexander, Tui De Roy @tuigalapagos and Mark Jones, for their work in Antarctica; Norbert Rosing @norber_rosing_photography and @ThomasdMangelsen, for their amazing images and knowledge of bears, including polar bears; Jonathan and Angie Scott @thebigcatpeoplefor, their sensitivity and mastery of the world of communications; and last but not least, @MartinHartley, for his “extreme expeditions” in the Arctic Ocean to support science. Photo by @daisygilardini / Chinstrap penguin - Antarctica #chinstrappenguin #penguin #antarctica #nikonswitzerland #nikonambassador @nikonsdach #lowepro #loweprobags  #gitzoinspires