Étienne Tremblay is a 24-year-old wildlife photographer living in Montreal, Canada. He uses his images and videos to make people aware of the importance of preserving nature. Since sharing his work on social media, he has reached tens of millions of people all around the world and inspired many to learn more about wildlife. He believes photography is a profoundly effective awareness tool for promoting nature conservation.
My Introduction to Photography
For over 10 years, I've used cameras that allow me to get a unique perspective on the world around me. I first became interested in video directing, which pushed me to complete my studies in cinema around the age of 19. I have always liked to film what was happening around me, paying attention to the movement of the images, lighting and composition. At that time, I didn't have a particular style or area of expertise. I directed documentaries, music videos, corporate and advertising videos, short films, etc. All I wanted to do was to create. All the time.
Subsequently, I worked for almost 5 years as a photo and video consultant while pursuing studies in marketing communications at HEC and the University of Montreal. This period of my life allowed me to deepen my knowledge of photography, in addition to improving my understanding of the world of business and entrepreneurship. I still hadn't decided how, but I knew I was going to spend my life with a camera (or two) in my hand.
The Beginning of a Passion for Wildlife
I've always enjoyed walking in nature to relax, but my fascination with wildlife was born during the winter of 2023, when I observed an owl for the first time: a magnificent great gray owl. This unforgettable encounter took place in a wooded area just a few minutes from my home. It was at that moment that I understood that it was possible to have remarkable wild experiences even while being close to the city. At that moment, I didn't even know the difference between different species of owls, and yet, I was in front of one of the rarest in North America.
Afterwards, I continued to explore all the surrounding forests, swamps and mountains in search of unique wild animals. I knew little about them at first, but each encounter with wildlife filled me with happiness. Over time, I learned to differentiate the animals I photographed and to better understand their behavior. To this day, owls remain species that I particularly like and that I love to photograph.
Great Gray Owl, January 2023