Vintage-style scientific illustrations emerge from field photography to celebrate threatened avian species while raising vital awareness for local biodiversity conservation.
For years, nature photographer and wildlife conservation advocate Albert Abadicio has spent countless hours in forests, mountains, and remote habitats chasing the perfect photograph of some of the country’s rarest birds. But instead of simply posting another set of wildlife shots online, he decided to transform them into elegant museum-inspired artworks that now allow ordinary Filipinos to own collectible-looking wildlife illustrations without spending a fortune.
Under a new series called “ILLUSTRA,” Albert turns his bird photographs into fine art pieces inspired by vintage scientific illustrations often found in old field guides and natural history museums.
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“I have always been fascinated by old scientific illustrations,” Albert wrote in his post. “Seeing field guide drawings and the actual artworks in museums and personal collections, really influenced my photography.”
According to him, these classical references have long shaped the way he photographs wildlife in the field.
“I have always looked at these works of art as references for the poses I aim for in the field,” he shared. “They are actually part of how I plan each shoot, especially when I travel to photograph a particular species.”
The project was developed alongside Dahlia over the past year, with Albert experimenting on how to make the photographs visually cohesive with archival paper and canvas textures.
“This is a series Dahlia and I have been working on last year,” he explained. “Particularly, how I would tweak my workflow to make my photos cohesive with a blank canvas considering the changes in color of the substrate.”
The first “ILLUSTRA” collection features 10 bird species from across the Philippines that are currently threatened with extinction, many of which still lack conservation programs.
Albert said the series aims to help raise awareness on their situation while also making conservation-centered art more accessible to collectors and casual buyers alike.
Each artwork measures 8.5 x 11 inches and can be printed either on Fine Art Archival paper or Ilford Decor Bright White Canvas. The framed archival version comes with white acid-free matting, non-reflective glass, and textured white framing, while canvas editions are protective-coated and mounted.
Despite the premium presentation, the artworks start at only P3,500 each — a price point that feels surprisingly affordable considering the craftsmanship and limited availability.
Each piece will also be limited to only 20 prints and will come “personally signed” by Albert along with a certificate of authenticity and information about the featured bird species.
“We can also print them larger upon request,” he added. “We also cater to clients outside Metro Manila.”
At a time when mass-produced wall décor dominates online marketplaces, “ILLUSTRA” offers something more meaningful — collectible wildlife art rooted in Philippine biodiversity, conservation, and the eye of a photographer who has spent years studying these creatures in the wild.
I have always been fascinated by old scientific illustrations. Seeing field guide drawings and the actual artworks in museums and personal collections, really influenced my photography.
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