Chris Purnell

Chris Purnell manages BirdLife’s Australia’s national Wetland Bird Program. In his 14 years working in the research and conservation team Chris has come to value the significant role photography plays in influencing public and political opinions and ultimately policy. Cognisant of this power he always finds room in his field kit for a camera (even if it’s at the expense of a bottle of water or his thoracic vertebrae).

Although he considers himself an amateur behind the lens Chris considers himself lucky to be in a position to build insights into conservation by spending hours squirming through wetlands from Kerang to Korea with that lens. Chris’ photos feature in international media, reports, scientific papers, museums and educational and engagement resources. He has won no prizes😉