My name is Monica L Corcuera and I am an award-winning photographer based in Mexico City. I am a committed conservationist, adventurer, therapist and published author. I began my studies in Fine Arts in England and continued my artistic career in Mexico.

Throughout my childhood, I was inspired by my parents; My mother a fine-art painter, writer and conservationist at heart, and my father who traveled through Africa and used to tell stories about his safari adventures and his close contact with nature. Since then, I have pursued that dream, learned from professional photographers and over the years, ventured out into finding my own personal style and that's how my passion for traveling and experiencing other cultures began.

I began my first photography course in 2009 in EDUMAC Mexico City, then I studied advanced photography and editing. At the same time, I also learnt from professional photographers from around the world and took many online courses for certain specialities and techniques, then I ventured out into finding my own personal style.

My first shot was at my dog Tina, frolicking in my backyard back in 1986 with a CANON Reflex AE-1.

I used two camaras: A mirrorless NIKON Z6 with a Tamron 100-400mm, which is a very versatile lens for safaris, as well as a Tamron 150-600mm for long distances. Then a NiKON D5500 with a AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm lens for extra light and a AF-S Nikkor 18-105mm.

The best compliment that touched me was that my photography transmits the beauty, vibrance and tenderness of wildlife.

My main inspiration comes from reviving and describing the story behind the game-drive prior to finding that special scene to capture. Remembering is to live again!

Harmonious, emotive and artistic.

I am thrilled and grateful for the MUSE Photography Awards and the recognition of my work. It was an honor to be part of this prestigious photography competition that brings together talented photographers from around the world.

Receiving these platinum and gold trophies encourage me to keep doing my best and dedicate my live to my passion for wildlife and photography. These international awards are very important for my career as they widen my professional horizons.

I chose seven of my favorite photographs to show a different face of African wildlife. From a funny flock of Yellow-billed oxpeckers that seemed to have a family reunion on the back of a maasai giraffe, a majestic tribute to the lion king, a tender moment of a buffalo and her calf, the beauty and elegance of an impala herd, the deep nature of a leopard, a massive bloat of hippos on guard and the imposing face to face encounter with two African elephants.

Through MUSE Photography Awards, I want to convey a message of awareness and responsibility towards nature.

As a professional photographer, winning an award and receiving international recognition for my work has become an important way to gain global exposure and also be aware of my own artistic standards so I can continue to advance and develop in my career.

Frans Lanting, Neil Aldridge and Art Wolfe.

Be who you really are, try to be unique in your one style and stop comparing your work with others. Everyone has their own ability to learn, their own timing and be bold with your camera.

Try, try and try!

As a photographer I like to receive feedback to improve my work. I try to keep up to date learning from others who have the knowledge and teach new techniques, also like getting new camara settings to experiment new shots and perspectives and I take frequent tutorials for new photo editing tools that help me refine my work.