We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stino Cervini a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stino, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

As a wildlife photographer, my mission is to capture and share the beauty of the natural world so that people can see and appreciate the incredible animals that exist all around us. Too often, we overlook the wildlife in our own backyards, and as urban development and industry continue to expand, many of these creatures are being pushed further from their natural habitats. Through my photography, I aim to bring attention to these animals, showcasing their resilience, personality, and beauty in a way that connects people to the wild.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always had a DSLR camera in hand, capturing moments of my kids playing sports as they grew up. But when they moved on to college, my camera sat unused for a while, until one morning changed everything. I was in my backyard throwing a frisbee for my dog when I spotted a Pileated Woodpecker on a pine tree in the empty lot next to my house. Something about the moment struck me, so I ran inside, grabbed my camera, and took a shot. When I shared the image with my friends, they encouraged me to explore bird photography, and a friend suggested I visit the Viera Wetlands to see how I liked it. That first trip opened up a whole new world for me, and I instantly fell in love with bird and wildlife photography.

The biggest challenge I faced was capturing birds in flight—it’s a skill that takes patience, practice, and countless hours in the field. Determined to master it, I spent every free moment I had on weekends and days off photographing birds in motion, from the Viera Wetlands to the Orlando Wetlands and all the way down to Sebastian Inlet. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion, and along the way, I built connections with a community of fellow photographers who share the same love for wildlife. Bird and wildlife photography became more than just an interest—it became my escape from the daily grind of corporate life, a way to reconnect with nature, and a source of peace. Now, I look forward to my quiet hikes and weekend photography outings, always chasing that next perfect moment in the wild.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned through wildlife photography is patience and resilience, and nothing tests that more than trying to capture a Northern Harrier. They are my favorite raptor to photograph, but also one of the most challenging. Unlike other birds of prey that might perch or circle predictably, Northern Harriers glide low over the fields, often disappearing into the tall grass before you even get a chance to lock focus.

There have been countless days where I’ve stood in one spot for four to six hours, knowing that if I waited long enough, a harrier would eventually fly by. It’s a mental challenge as much as a physical one—hours of scanning the skies, resisting the urge to leave, trusting that patience will pay off. And when that moment finally comes, when the harrier slices through the air right in front of me and I nail the shot, it makes every second worth it. The reward isn’t just in getting the perfect image; it’s in the journey, the discipline, and the joy of sharing that moment with my fellow photographers and supporters who appreciate the beauty of these incredible birds as much as I do.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a wildlife photographer is capturing the shots that are the most difficult to get, the ones that require patience, persistence, and sometimes a little bit of luck. Whether it’s a Northern Harrier slicing through the air, a bobcat locking eyes with me in the early morning light, or a tiny Tree Swallow darting just above the water, those moments are what drive me. But even more rewarding than the shot itself is sharing it with people around the world.

Knowing that my photos are being seen, appreciated, and talked about means everything to me. Every comment, message, or conversation sparked by my work reminds me that I’m slowly chipping away at my ultimate mission—bringing awareness to these beautiful animals and the importance of preserving their habitats. Sometimes people don’t realize the wildlife that exists right in their own backyards, and if my photography can make even one person stop, appreciate, and care about these creatures a little more, then I know I’m making a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stinoc.com
• Instagram: @CERVINISTINO
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stino.cervini
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQvYsgN8P5UBkwAjNN3Mdxg

Image Credits

All images taken by me (Stino Cervini)