A Life Dedicated to the Small and the Wild
I have always been drawn to the hidden wonders of nature—the creatures and details that are easy to overlook, yet hold extraordinary stories of survival, adaptation, and beauty.
As a wildlife macro photographer, ecologist, and field naturalist, I explore the natural world through a close-up lens, with a particular fascination for arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, fungi, and other often-overlooked forms of life.
For me, photography is more than capturing an image. It is an invitation to stop, look closer, and become curious about the life behind it. My background in biology and ecology brings science and creativity together in my photography, writing, and teaching.
I share these stories through images, articles, books, talks, and workshops, always with the hope of making the overlooked visible, sparking curiosity, and reminding us that even the smallest lives are part of something much bigger.
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
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TOPAZ LABS
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IN THE SPOTLIGH
Witness – Nature Vision Magazine
I’m very happy to see this story in Nature Vision. It came from something I’ve been learning through years of looking for small creatures:
Interview in Natuurfotografie Magazine
Honored to Be Featured in Natuurfotografie Magazine I’m very proud to be part of this beautiful edition of Natuurfotografie Magazine—a publication that brings together
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
FIELD DIARIES
The Things a Photograph Can’t Show
A photograph can show us a moment. It can show us a creature, a gesture, a landscape, a particular arrangement of light and color.
An Act of Translation
There is a moment that always feels the same. It doesn't matter how long it has been since I last picked up my camera
Learning to Slow Down Without Losing Myself
For years, I dreamed about a different life. A life where my days weren't ruled by alarms, deadlines, and traffic. A life where the