Photographer Neil Osborne first became involved in the conservation project to save the black turtle when a magazine sent him to profile scientist Wallace "J" Nichols. "During that first visit, I met Julio Solis, an amazing young man who has fully transitioned from being a fisherman/poacher to a conservation professional and a community leader."

"I spent more time listening to him than I did photographing," says Osborne, "These first few introductions inspired me to start the project."

Initially he hesitated about working with Emphas.is. "They had never worked with a conservation photographer before so this project was the first with a real environmental/wildlife focus," but through the ready support offered it was an easy choice to make.

"Conservation photography is just as much about the deliverables of a project as is the imagery," says Osborne, by this he means not just the app or ebook he and Nichols are considering, nor the printed journal filled with photographs and notes they will publish, but the measurable effect the resulting material will have on raising the profile of the protection project.

"Nichols is already aligning contacts and an opportunity to put our work in front of the president of Mexico. That is the audience we want, along with the governors of various states who have roles in the conservation of the black sea turtle."

Osborne is hoping to raise $11,315 to finance the project. To help him, check the Emphas.is website.

Return of the black turtle by Neil Osborne from Emphas.is on Vimeo.