About Me
Hello! I’m Tobin. As a passionate naturalist and biologist, I make complex science topics clear and engaging, aiming to connect you more deeply with the world around us.
Most of my work happens outdoors, where learning is hands-on and the story is never scripted. I’m based on Bowen Island and Vancouver, and I’ve worked as a naturalist and deckhand on whale watching tours, guided sea-kayak trips, and travelled and worked internationally as a wildlife photographer, science communicator and field biologist. I bring a calm, high-energy approach in the field and a science-first style of storytelling that works for audiences of all types.
Some of my focus areas are:
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Wildlife, birds, and marine life
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Ecotourism and destination storytelling (photo + short video)
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On-site interpretation, guide and guest education
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Speaking and science communication
You can follow my most recent work and adventures at Tobin_Sparling on Instagram
See my fun, educational short videos focussing on microscopy: microbin_ on TikTok
Portfolio
Some of my favourite photos from my adventures around the world and at home.
A selection of my favourite photos incuding:
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Wildlife and behaviour
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Birds
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Marine and underwater
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Landscapes
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People and place
Expeditions & Conservation Projects
Documentation for research teams and conservation partners, combining photography, video, and science communication.
Embedded field storytelling that translates real science into accessible visuals.
Includes:
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Photo and video documentation
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Field research support
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Data-driven storytelling
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Conservation communications
Speaking & Education
Guest talks and engaging science storytelling for youth and public audiences.
Talks that make wildlife, ocean science, and conservation accessible and inspiring.
Topics might include:
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Photography as a tool for science
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Whales and marine ecosystems
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Birds and biodiversity
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Citizen science and observation
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Field storytelling
Ocean & Underwater Storytelling
Underwater content creation and marine natural history interpretation.
Embedded ocean storytelling for conservation groups, expeditions, and travel brands.
Includes:
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Underwater photo and video
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Reef and marine life documentation
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Experienced naturalist interpretation
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Science-grounded storytelling
Upcoming Workshop in Kenya with Emmett and Tobin Sparling
I'm thrilled to invite you to join me and my brother, Emmett Sparling, in the field for an unforgettable wildlife photography workshop in the heart of the Masai Mara.
You might already know Emmett's work. With millions of followers and a reputation as one of the most creative visual storytellers in the game, he brings a rare eye for composition, movement, and cinematic moments. Pair that with my background as a field biologist and wildlife photographer, and you get something truly uncommon: a workshop led by two brothers who approach photography from completely different angles but share the same obsession with getting it right.
What makes this workshop especially personal for me is that I recently lived and worked in the Mara at Emboo Camp as an on-site biologist and photographer. I spent months learning the rhythms of this place: the light, the landscapes, the behaviour patterns, and the individual animals that return day after day. I'll be bringing all of that on-the-ground knowledge into the workshop. Not just how to make strong images, but how to understand what you're seeing so you can anticipate moments and tell better stories through your photos.
The Masai Mara is one of the best places in the world for wildlife, culture, and landscape photography. We'll explore the plains in search of incredible encounters, and spend time with a local Maasai village learning how to photograph people and culture with respect, clarity, and strong visual intention.
What I'll bring to the workshop:
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Local, recent field knowledge of the Mara from months of living and working at Emboo
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A biologist's approach to reading behaviour, predicting action, and understanding ecosystems
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Practical guidance on ethical wildlife photography and working responsibly in the field
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Hands-on feedback in real time, plus image review and storytelling-focused critique
