Hội An-born freelance photographer Võ Rin, at the age of 40, has turned his passion for photographing migratory wild birds into a significant contribution to bird conservation efforts across Vietnam. Rin’s extensive travels to national parks and natural reserves have not only resulted in a stunning collection of photographs of endangered bird species but have also supported conservation efforts and raised awareness for their protection.

Bridging Passion and Preservation

Rin’s journey into wildlife photography, especially focusing on migratory birds, showcases his deep-rooted love for nature and commitment to conserving its beauty. Despite the financial and physical challenges of tracking and photographing these elusive creatures in their natural habitats, Rin has managed to create a portfolio that serves both as an artistic endeavor and a tool for environmental education. His work has found a unique niche, providing valuable information for bird conservation while also adorning the interiors of resorts and hotels, illustrating how passion can be harmoniously aligned with purpose.

Conservation Efforts in Action

Aligning closely with the Việt Nam Bird Conservation Society (VBCS), Rin’s photography expeditions often double as missions to dismantle traps and snares set by poachers, thereby directly contributing to the protection of the avian subjects he cherishes. These efforts are part of a larger movement among wildlife photographers and conservationists in Vietnam to combat the threats posed by habitat destruction and illegal hunting. Through his close cooperation with journalists and conservationists like Đỗ Doãn Hoàng and Phạm Tài Minh, Rin plays a crucial role in both documenting and actively participating in the safeguarding of Vietnam’s migratory bird populations.

Educational Outreach and Future Prospects

Understanding the importance of raising awareness and educating the younger generation, Rin has organized exhibitions and educational programs aimed at fostering a sense of responsibility towards wildlife conservation among students and local communities. His initiatives, coupled with the efforts of the VBCS to establish observation towers and conduct field surveys, are vital steps towards building a comprehensive understanding of migratory patterns and threats facing birds in central Vietnam. These actions not only contribute to the scientific community’s body of knowledge but also encourage community involvement in conservation efforts, highlighting the critical role of education in environmental stewardship.

Through his lens, Võ Rin captures more than just images; he captures hope for the future of migratory birds in Vietnam. By intertwining his artistic talents with a strong conservation ethic, Rin exemplifies how individual passions can contribute to global environmental efforts. As his photographs continue to inspire and his conservation efforts forge ahead, Rin’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of combining art with activism to effect meaningful change.

By Frankie Elliott

Published: 21:17 EST, 2 March 2024 | Updated: 21:24 EST, 2 March 2024

A royal photographer has claimed Meghan Markle was ‘noticeably’ more tactile than the other royals when she joined the family.

Award-winning photographer Samir Hussein captured the famous picture of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex linking arms under an umbrella at the Endeavour Awards in 2020 and described the picture as ‘unusual’.

Harry and Meghan are known to have broken from the usual formality seen in royal relationships by openly displaying affection and holding hands when out in public. 

Mr Hussein told The Telegraph: ‘It was very noticeable when Meghan came on the scene just how tactile she was, like holding the Duke’s hand and being arm-in-arm, so that was quite unusual.’

The image of the pair looking adoringly at one another in the rain went viral and was taken at one of the couple’s final engagements before they stepped down as senior royals.

It will now go on display in London in a new exhibition charting the Hussein family’s photography of the monarchy over the years.

The exhibition, titled Princess Diana: Accredited Access, will open at St Katharine Docks, London, on May 25. 

It follows successful runs in the US, Australia and Canada and will feature images taken by the longest-serving royal photographer – and Mr Hussein’s father – Anwar Hussein. 

It will also feature a collection of photos from his and his brother Zak’s collection.  

The trio have curated a collection of official pictures spanning seven decades, which includes five generations of the monarchy. 

Samir and Zak, now both in their 40s, spent a lot of their childhood surrounded by royalty because of their father, including going to the polo to see Prince Charles play while Princess Dianna watched. 

They described playing around with a young Harry and William in  a ‘very relaxed’ atmosphere, with their similar ages meaning they could ‘relate’ to the princes in a different way to other members of the family. 

The brothers aim to continue their father’s ‘candid’ style of photographing the royal family, catching them in moments which show their ‘more human side that makes them more relatable’. 

The exhibition, which will run to September 2, displays the family’s photographs in life-size formats. 

Samir and Zak also provide a unique audio tour to guide the experience. 

Anwar said: ‘I am delighted that the images captured, as well as those of my sons, are coming home to London to recognise and memorialise such a remarkable woman and her sons. 

‘There are so many memories of our two families connecting and creating a special relationship, which I am pleased to be able to display in such a unique way through the exhibition.’

JOHOR BAHRU: “Nothing good comes out of Aulong Lama”, echoes the old local saying in Taiping, Perak. Yet, award-winning wildlife photographer Mohan Raj Nair begs to differ. “Whenever people ask me where I’m from, I always mention I’m from Aulong Lama because people say it’s a very bad area. But I’ve given my hometown a good name through my photography,” Mohan, 30, shared.

Early Beginnings and Recognition

Despite only picking up a camera in 2020, Mohan has made a name for himself with his captivating wildlife shots from the jungles of Malaysia and Singapore, where he currently works as a security trainer. Based in Johor Bahru, Mohan has been recognised for his work on three occasions – an honourable mention in the prestigious International Photography Award 2021; a spot among India’s Top 7 Wildlife Photographers in 2021; a mention in 35Awards’ 8th International Photo Awards for the 100 best wildlife photos category.

Passion for Wildlife

A glimpse at Mohan’s impressive wildlife photography catalogue reveals his profound passion and dedication to nature. From majestic elephants and graceful birds to menacing-looking saltwater crocodiles and curious primates, Mohan captures their unique beauty, offering a glimpse into a world unseen by many. Mohan’s entry into wildlife photography was almost serendipitous. As pandemic lockdowns disrupted regular shooting, Mohan turned to YouTube tutorials and personal lessons from friends to brush up his craft, and he’s never looked back.

Challenges and Aspirations

Acknowledging the challenges of wildlife photography, Mohan shared: “I love the challenge. Being a wildlife photographer meant looking for elusive animals or hiding so that they don’t see you. All of these are fun for me because they are challenging. I’m not doing this for the money.” Mohan takes immense pride in his photography and vowed to never give it up, serving as a source of pride for his parents. And for Mohan, the most fulfilling challenge is yet to come – photographing Bengal tigers in India.

In the grand scheme of things, if wildlife photography has taught Mohan anything, it’s that the “characteristic features and values that animals display in their struggle to survive make humans realise that they may, in some ways, be more in tune with nature than humans are.” Follow Mohan Raj Nair on Instagram.