I spent three months at a remote research station in the Osa Peninsula as part of their conservation team. The internship offered hands-on experience in habitat management, species monitoring, and community engagement, while allowing me to combine photography with meaningful field conservation work.
I made the decision to travel to Costa Rica with just two weeks’ notice, motivated by a desire to gain practical conservation experience, contribute to real-world projects, and deepen my understanding of tropical ecosystems and species behaviour.
At the station, I worked closely with sea turtles, amphibians like Glass Frogs, invertebrates, and the surrounding forest environment.
My activities included leading school and university groups on beach clean-ups, night patrols, and trail hikes; tagging sea turtles and monitoring nests on Piro Beach; analysing camera trap data; and assisting with the establishment of a new sea turtle hatchery. I also supported tree planting, trail maintenance, and citizen science projects, contributing over 1,000 species identifications.
In addition, I took part in field research on Glass Frogs, photographing individuals for eye pattern identification, and conducted morning sea turtle censuses using drones to record sightings and geolocations. The work offered a mix of hands-on conservation, scientific research, and wildlife photography that deepened my understanding of both the species and their habitats.
Alongside these responsibilities, I had three months to focus on photography and videography, documenting wildlife, conservation activities, and the rainforest environment. The work required long days in humid, tropical conditions, often at night, and demanded technical precision for photographing small nocturnal amphibians, capturing clear identification images, and operating equipment in challenging terrain.
This experience was pivotal in my development as both a photographer and a conservationist. It reinforced the value of combining scientific research with visual documentation, strengthened my field skills, and deepened my understanding of tropical wildlife and ecosystems. The internship highlighted the importance of patience, adaptability, and creativity in conservation work, and it continues to inspire my commitment to documenting and protecting biodiversity.
