Name: Kurt Lessert
Occupation: Photographer
Kurt is originally from Switzerland. He spends six months of the year working then the other six months travelling and taking photo’s of wildlife.

What is your Koh Phangan story?
I first visited in 1982 and until 1988 I came nearly every year, then I travelled to other places. I have been on Koh Phangan for nine months this time. I don’t come for the parties I come for the island. Koh Phangan is a good place, it has changed changed but not too badly.

What type of photography do you do?
I do macro and animals, lots of different things but especially animals, whether they are big or small. I go right into the jungle, for me driving to Thong Sala is more dangerous than going into the jungle.

How long have you been taking photos?
With my good camera it is about six years, but I have been taking photo’s before this also. I got into it through travelling, I travelled with my bicycle around South America. It really all started in 2005 when I saw possums in new zealand, they get killed on the road a lot so I started taking pictures of live ones to completely flat ones.

What influences your art work?
Just if I get a good feeling, if it is the correct light and not too dark. Also if it is a good place. I will be walking in the jungle and I may just see something.

Why do you like taking pictures of reptiles in particular?
Because they are nice animals, you can play with them, you go with the camera and follow the lense and not move.

How do you spend you free time on the island?
I ride my bicycle a lot, go into the mountains or relax in my hammock on the beach.

Where is your favourite place on Koh Phangan?
Coconut beach,it is a good beach with nice sea.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Still doing okay, doing the same thing as I am now with no sickness.

What is your life philosophy?
Live in peace.