Greg Basco likes to consider himself among the top combination political scientist/rainforest photographers in the world – actually, he might be the only one. Greg had become interested in conservation issues while an undergraduate at Quincy University in Illinois. Studies in political science and biology and a curiosity about the developing world led to a 2-year stint in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica as a forestry extensionist. After returning to school to study tropical ecology and do his doctoral coursework in political science at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Greg is back in Costa Rica doing his dissertation research on the politics of ecotourism.

An interest in photography and rainforest ecology and the luxury of having research sites located in some of the world’s best forests are responsible for his rapidly expanding nature photography portfolio. In his work, Greg strives to give a natural look to his photographs, avoiding the full-flash nighttime look of much documentary rainforest photography. This means using a tripod whenever possible to blend flash and natural light while at the same time trying to travel light and stay dry – no easy task in the humid forests of Costa Rica. His work is aimed primarily at the scientific/editorial market but many of the photos also lend themselves well to the world of design, advertising, and travel.

We’re pleased to present the work of a young, up and coming photographer such as Greg here at Profotos. Check back often for new photos from his upcoming research trips.