A Life Dedicated to the Small and the Wild
I have always been drawn to the hidden wonders of nature—the overlooked, the unnoticed, the intricate details that tell the most fascinating stories. As a wildlife macro photographer, ecologist, and field naturalist, I have spent years exploring the natural world, capturing the incredible adaptations of arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, and fungi. Through my lens, I aim to reveal the beauty and complexity of creatures that many pass by, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the small yet essential life forms that shape our ecosystems.
My work is not just about photography—it’s about storytelling, science, and conservation. With a background in biology and ecology, I blend my scientific knowledge with an artistic vision, creating images that invite curiosity and connection. This passion extends into my teaching, where I offer online courses, eBooks, and Lightroom presets to help others refine their macro photography skills and develop their own unique style.
I am also the author of The World of Small, a book that intertwines science, storytelling, and the art of photography, offering readers a glimpse into the extraordinary world of tiny creatures. Additionally, I have had the honor of serving as a jury member for national and international photography contests, contributing to the recognition of excellence in nature and macro photography. A part of the editor team of Paws Trails Explorers Magazine
Through my work—whether guiding nature tours, sharing knowledge through photography, or writing about the natural world—I strive to foster a sense of wonder, respect, and responsibility toward the fragile and intricate ecosystems that surround us.
Welcome to my world, where the smallest details tell the biggest stories.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY…
NATURALIST GUIDE
“Hi Cynthia, I’m back from my trip to Costa Rica and starting to sort out my photos. I just wanted to thank you for your help on the guided walk at Finca Sueno de Osa. I’ve done dozens of night walks around the world and you are by some distance the best guide I’ve had… having come across your website I can now see why! Your photos are superb, much better than any of mine.
Thanks again for your help and all the fascinating invertebrates you found me, all the best.”
Hugh Lansdown
MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
“The World of Macrophotography” in the Paraná River Delta – Engaging!! Accompanied by Cynthia Bandurek, biologist, conservation ecologist, and macrophotographer. She managed to convey the passion for this type of photography from a perspective of respect for nature, with exceptional knowledge of the subject, professionalism, and highly pedagogical skills. She dedicated herself exclusively and permanently to accompany our learning process with great competence and human quality.”
Ana María Herrera
ONLINE COURSE
“The course seemed excellent to me. Cynthia covers all the fundamental topics to start in macro photography clearly, with abundant examples and recommendations from her incredible experience in this technique. Highly recommended. Very instructive and enjoyable.”
Susana Imbaldi
WANT TO LEARN?
AK DIFFUSER
The Innovation in Macro Diffusers
AK Diffusers is the innovation in macro diffusers for the most demanding professional photographers
Ak Diffuser is a product made especially for you. They are completely customized designs for each camera, flash and lens based on the data you provide to them
TOPAZ LABS
THE BEST SOFTAWARES TO ENHANCE YOUR PHOTOS
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS
NETWORK
The Nature Photographers Network is committed to empowering and inspiring nature photographers to achieve their creative and technical potential through education, artistic development, and community engagement. We offer a warm and supportive environment for members to receive constructive feedback on their images’ technical, aesthetic, conceptual, and emotional aspects. Members are encouraged to provide feedback on others’ images to foster their growth and demonstrate community support. By nurturing a collaborative and welcoming atmosphere, we aim to surpass superficial social media interactions, helping our members realize their full potential in the art and craft of nature photography.
I am a proud affiliate for some of these tools. Affiliate links are used for each tool that I am an affiliate of, which means that if you click that link and subsequently make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. You pay nothing extra; any commission I earn comes at no additional cost to you.
IN THE SPOTLIGH
Featured in Untamed Photo Magazine
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Masters of Stillness: The Hidden Life of Helmeted Iguana
The Helmeted Iguana (Corytophanes cristatus) is a remarkable reptile native to the rainforests of Central America. Renowned for its exceptional camouflage abilities, this iguana
Canon Creators – Webinar
El pasado 5 de marzo, ofrecí una charla gratuita sobre fotografía de anfibios y reptiles como parte del ciclo de charlas de Canon Creators
WildEye Magazine – Interview
Subscribe here to access the Magazine. Wild Eye magazine: Top Photography & Landscape Magazine
FIELD DIARIES
Masters of Deception: The Incredible Ant-Mimicking Treehopper (Cyphonia clavata)
The natural world is filled with astonishing adaptations, but few are as visually bizarre and functionally brilliant as those of Cyphonia clavata, a treehopper
Masters of Deception: The Ant-Mimicking Acanthopidae Mantis
In the dense understory of tropical forests, where survival is a constant battle, some creatures have evolved extraordinary strategies to outwit predators and ambush
Crafting the Perfect Mood: Post-Processing in Macro Photography
Creating mood in macro photography begins with the shot but often comes to life during post-processing. In my previous blog, we explored how to
