One day, while visiting the Natural History Museum, by accident, I wandered into the wrong exhibit hall. To my surprise, I had entered the exhibition for the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year. I was astounded by the winning photographs. I was transported visually to a world I had never witnessed before. I was mesmerized by the beautiful artworks on show—in particular, the winning image, Blue Iceberg by Cherry Alexander.

This wildlife exhibition was an uplifting experience and one I would repeat every year. Little did I know the profound effect it would have on my life in years to come.

After working in the finance industry in the City of London for 15 years, I needed a balance in my life. Wildlife photography became my yang! I quit my job.

And in 2005, Africa became the new chapter in my life. The sheer size and magnitude of this continent were overwhelming. From navigating the forests of Bwindi and climbing the peaks of Kilimanjaro through to meandering along the red dunes of the Kalahari, I started photographing Africa.

It may be a cliché, but it is true—photography has become my life. No matter where I am, my mind's eye is taking photographs. It has taught me to see the world in a different light, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

We never know what road we may take in life or the catalyst that changes our life forever. For me, it was a serendipitous wrong turn into the exhibit hall of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world's most prestigious wildlife photography competition, which incidentally I have won an astonishing three times.

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