Meet Fabiana Espinoza Chaves | Wildlife Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fabiana Espinoza Chaves and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fabiana, what do you want people to remember about you?
I’ve recently come to be known by most as a bird-loving girl. I get pictures of birds in backyards from friends and family, and they ask me to identify and tell them what species they are. A lot of my recent work over the past few years has been about birds I have found and photographed, so I think it’s pretty obvious that I love birds, and I sincerely hope that people will remember me in years to come. I hope to be the crazy bird lady of the neighborhood who is always feeding the ducks or something ahah. In all seriousness, though, I hope that I will be known for raising awareness of the need to conserve and protect wildlife—not only birds, but all animals—as well as national parks, reserves, and green spaces. My desire to preserve this place we call home is something I hope remains in the hearts of those I’ve met even when I’m gone.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am a wildlife photographer and also work as a freelance photographer. Less than a year ago, I would have been far too shy to claim the title of “wildlife photographer,” as I always held it in the highest regard. I believed that one needed decades of experience and a documentary series to truly earn that designation. However, today, as I reflect on my portfolio, I proudly embrace the title. At twenty years old, I have photographed over a hundred bird species across Costa Rica, traveling through swamps, rainforests, coastlines, and beyond to capture animals in their natural habitats and convey the importance of their existence.

My work emphasizes the majesty of nature and the critical need for wildlife preservation, conservation, and habitat restoration. It shines a light on the beauty of the natural world—beauty that is not as hidden as many might assume—and evokes curiosity and appreciation for nature in those who view it. This journey has not been easy, and I am fully aware that there is still much for me to learn and improve. I believe I have more to contribute to this planet, which has given us so much. My goal is to create lasting change, ignite stronger conservation movements, share my photography with the world, and inspire others to join me in the mission of protecting our shared home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I always love visiting Museums, The Houston Museum of Natural Sciences is lovely as well as the Museum of Fine Arts!

Food-wise I would definitively check out Honey Pig BBQ! Star Pizza on Washington Avenue, Tacos Doña Lena, and Micos Hot Chicken are all good recommendations!

I’m a huge food lover and Houston is a melting pot of cultures and flavors!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family, especially my parents, has been my greatest source of support. I would never have pursued this ambitious path without their encouragement from the very beginning. They stood by me from the early days when I used my iPad to photograph insects and repurposed my telescope as a zoom lens. Even when I showed them blurry, overly saturated images of a bee, they never dismissed my dream of becoming a photographer as irrational or far-fetched. Instead, they simply reminded me that hard work was necessary to achieve it. My cousin gifted me my first camera and my uncle gave me his DSLR so I could start pursuing my photography more professionally, honestly I’m so grateful for my family.

When I struggled to sell my photographs, my parents framed them and proudly hung them in our home, believing in the beauty of my work. They would share my portfolio with their friends and insist that I introduce myself as a “professional photographer.” Since the moment I first picked up a camera, they have recognized and nurtured potential in me and my art, often seeing more than I could see in myself. For that, I am profoundly grateful.

I cannot leave out the support of my friends, who have been unwavering in their encouragement from the very beginning. I am incredibly fortunate to have such a strong support system as an artist. Lastly, I must give credit to my homeland, Costa Rica, which has been a constant source of inspiration. It is my muse, the origin of my fascinations, and my home. I firmly believe that being born in such a beautiful country fosters a deep connection to nature, one that many may not fully understand. My passion for conservation and educating others about nature is always rooted in Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes—its mountain ranges, beaches, volcanoes, and forests.

Website: https://fabyespicx.wixsite.com/fabyespicx0?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZEIL0zKvuKTqjNgfathZL1nI1nKXEbd6HbgC31F-XRAodgqmofRdE_fcg_aem_1vTupV3Nrjh24hf8QVZfKQ

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