Jose Gabriel "Gab" Mejia is the co-founder of Youth Engaged in Wetlands - a youth network across 30 countries advocating for the conservation and protection of wetlands around the world - as well as a conservation photographer for National Geographic Society, and an environmental writer and columnist at the Manila Times.

"Photography allows me to share the beauty of the world and the amazing stories hidden within it. Through the photographs, I hope to inspire and empower the new generation for the conservation of nature."

Here are Gab's 5 top conservation photography tips on capturing the beauty of the world and the amazing stories hidden within it:

1. Rule of Thirds, Composition, and the Exposure Pyramid: Try to find the best composition of your photograph by imagining grid lines where you can visualise and position your subjects from the intersections and corners of these lines as our eyes are naturally drawn to them. Also learn the basics of your camera by shooting in manual mode to understand how you can control the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for the favor of your photograph, from getting the right amount of blur, or sharpness depending on what kind of photo you are taking.

2. Find a Mentor: The proliferation of images and information on photography in today’s digital age has undoubtedly decreased this culture of mentorship in photography which I believe is still one of the best ways to develop one’s craft truly. Find a mentor that shares the same vision and values as yours, because even with all the ready-made information on photography you can find on the internet, there is still so much more you can learn from a mentor whose personal human experiences and lessons from the past can help your growth in the craft. We are not alone in this journey in our solitudes as photographers.

3. Plan Ahead but Leave Space for Serendipity: Research about the location you’re going to and always be prepared wherever you’re shooting or taking photographs. Know the place as a whole, from the weather conditions to the cultural differences and sensitivities of people, to creatures you may disturb as you take your photographs. Prepare as much as you can, but always leave that certain ounce of wonder for your eyes to be fascinated with the unexpected moments that can unfold, these moments of serendipity.

4. Know and Embrace Light: Always try to stay up late and wake up early, as the best light you can naturally get is in between the moments of sunrise and sunset, and dawn and dusk. This is when the real magic happens, when the landscapes turn golden, when the distant peaks of a mountain turn red, and when the horizon glows in different hues.

5. Trust: There’s no real equation or formula for taking good photographs. I’ve always believed in the power of trust— trusting the camera you hold, trusting your growth in the process, and trusting the intuition of making your vision in photography that can truly make an image great. Break the rules, play with them, be genuine, and add a little bit of your touch in every shot you can take, as these photographs are a reflection, a mirror of what you have learned, what you value, and ultimately who you are.