Sylvain Cordier grew up watching birds in the forests near his home in rural France. At the age of 16 he acquired his first camera, and shortly thereafter, in the 1970s, he undertook expeditions to photograph wildlife in Amazonia and Papua New Guinea. Since then, he has travelled the world photographing both endangered and common species. His work has been published in numerous international magazines, as well as being recognised by major competitions, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year.