Hector David Astorga
Some of my earliest memories are of exploring the forests and countryside of my native Honduras. Long before I ever owned a camera, I was captivated by wildlife, wild places, and the stories nature tells to those willing to slow down and observe. That curiosity eventually became a lifelong passion—and over the past two decades it has taken me across six continents, photographing some of the world's most extraordinary wildlife.
I am a professional wildlife photographer, educator, and expedition leader based in South Texas. Through my company, Discover Capture Create Photo Expeditions, I lead immersive photography tours and workshops to many of the world's premier wildlife destinations, creating experiences that combine exceptional photographic opportunities with education, conservation, and adventure.
My philosophy has always been that wildlife photography is about much more than simply documenting animals. It is about understanding behavior, anticipating decisive moments, mastering light and composition, and creating images that tell compelling stories. Every expedition I lead is designed not only to help photographers produce stronger images, but also to deepen their appreciation for the ecosystems and wildlife they are privileged to encounter.
During the past twenty years, I have led photographic expeditions throughout North, Central, and South America, as well as Africa. From the rainforests of Costa Rica and Colombia to the vast savannas of Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa; from the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil to the rugged landscapes of Patagonia, every destination has offered its own unique challenges and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Along the way, I have had the privilege of working alongside outstanding local naturalists, conservationists, and guides whose knowledge has enriched every expedition and allowed my guests access to remarkable photographic opportunities that few travelers experience.
My work has been recognized internationally and published in National Geographic Guide Books, Nature's Best Magazine, Audubon Magazine, National Wildlife Federation Magazine, Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, Texas Highways, and numerous other publications around the world. I am also a two-time recipient of the prestigious Nature's Best Windland Smith Rice International Awards in the Wildlife category—one of the highest honors in nature photography. These accomplishments are deeply meaningful, but they remain secondary to the opportunity to inspire others to connect with the natural world through photography.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of guiding hundreds of photographers of every experience level—from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Whether photographing polarizing predators, colorful tropical birds, elusive mammals, or intimate wildlife behavior, my greatest satisfaction comes from watching participants grow as photographers, gain confidence in the field, and return home with images that exceed their own expectations.
When I am not leading international expeditions, I serve as Ranch Manager of the renowned Santa Clara Ranch in South Texas, where I continue to photograph wildlife, teach workshops, and develop new opportunities for photographers to experience the remarkable biodiversity of the Texas Brush Country.
I believe that the best wildlife photographs are created when technical skill, patience, fieldcraft, and respect for nature come together. More importantly, I believe every expedition should leave participants with more than great photographs—it should leave them with unforgettable experiences, lasting friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the incredible wildlife and wild places that deserve our protection.
I look forward to welcoming you on a future adventure and helping you discover, capture, and create images you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Awards and Recognition
2025 Wildlife in Focus - Second Grand Prize.
2023 Nature’s Best Windland Smith Rice International Awards - Winner - Wildlife.
2023 National Wildlife Federation - Highly Honored - Baby Animals.
2021 North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Showcase - Judges Choice Award - Landscapes
2021 Bird Photographer of the Year - Highly Honored - Birds in the Environment
2020 North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Showcase - Judges Choice Award - Wildlife
2019 Nature’s Best Windland Smith Rice International Awards - Winner - Wildlife.
2019 Nature’s Best Windland Smith Rice International Awards - Highly Honored - Birds.
2019 North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Showcase - 1st Runner Up - Mammals
2018 North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) Showcase - Judges Choice Award - Birds
2017 Wildlife in Focus - Second Grand Prize
2017 North American Nature Photographers Association (NANPA) Showcase - 1st Runner Up - Macro/Micro/All Other Wildlife.
2017 North American Nature Photographers Association (NANPA) Showcase - Judges Choice Award - Altered Reality.
2016 North American Nature Photographers Association (NANPA) Showcase - Best of Show - Macro/Micro/All Other Wildlife.
2015 Wildlife in Focus - First Grand Prize, Best of Show, and People's Choice Award.
2014 Nature's Best Windland Smith Rice International Awards - Highly Honored - Wildlife.
2013 Wildlife in Focus - First Grand Prize and People's Choice Award.
2013 Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers Photo Contest - Grand Prize Winner
2012 Nature's Best Photography Magazine - Best Backyards Wildlife Photo Contest - Winner
2011 Wildlife in Focus - Third Grand Prize and People's Choice Award Winner
2010 Valley Land Fund Wildlife Photo Contest - First Grand Prize - Open Division
2010 Valley Land Fund Wildlife Photo Contest - First Grand Prize - Professional Division and Best of Contest Professional Division
2009 National Wildlife Federation Photo Contest - First Place - Connecting People w/ Nature
2008 Valley Land Fund Wildlife Photo Contest - First Grand Prize - Small Tract Competition.