“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.
-Aaron Siskind
Kirby Cortez
During his early childhood, Kirby lived in Makati, Philippines, where he embraced the rich culture and traditions of his homeland. After six years, he relocated to Toronto, Canada, continuing his education within the Roman Catholic school system.
As he grew older, his passion for travel and exploration deepened. Immersing himself in diverse cultures and cuisines, he sought out new experiences that broadened his perspective and strengthened his appreciation for the world around him.
In 2013, Kirby earned a degree in Computer Networking and Technology from Seneca College, though his true passion had always been in the food service industry.
His early career was rooted in Customer Service and Retail Sales, where he spent 15 years working in the retail sector before pursuing his college education in computer science. However, his passion ultimately led him back to Retail Management, and successfully managed a high-end grocery retail location affiliated with a renowned Canadian celebrity chef.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Kirby is also an avid photographer. Most of the wildlife photography featured on this website consists of his own captures, taken with a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera.
Recently, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling across different continents and immersing himself in diverse cultures. His journeys to the Galapagos Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula profoundly reshaped his perspective on marine environments and the growing impact of human activity. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by wildlife in these fragile ecosystems reinforced his awareness of our carbon footprint and the urgent need for conservation.
