FRIEND OF THE JUNGLE
Travel+Leisure India|September 2023
Sebinster Francis quit engineering to become a tour guide and a wildlife photographer. His love for the snakes and frogs of Kerala shines through the striking macro photographs on Instagram (@sebinster). The photographer-cum-conservationist talks to ADILA MATRA about busting stereotypes surrounding the reptile kingdom and spreading awareness about wildlife.
ADILA MATRA
FRIEND OF THE JUNGLE

Sebinster Francis

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER

What made you take the leap of faith to quit engineering and get into wildlife photography? 

I was always interested in photography, all sorts of photography. I was a hobbyist, I would say. Right after my graduation, I got an opportunity to work with a German photography group in Munnar, which is also my hometown. I worked as a field assistant, a translator who could speak English for them, and who could interact with the local workers in Munnar. During this time, I also joined their classes. Right after that, I started working as a tour guide. My motive was to never sit in an office.

What is the one incident from your expeditions that you remember to date? 

This story is from the September 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

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This story is from the September 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.

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