Robert Irwin reveals his passion for photography beyond wildlife

Robert Irwin is busy pursuing another passion besides Dancing with the Stars or wrangling crocodiles at his family's wildlife preserve in Australia.

The 21-year-old conservationist, son of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, opened up about his passion during a conversation with PEOPLE for his cover story. 

'I sort of found it a very sort of individual thing for me because I have always felt like I am part of something that's so much bigger that just myself, a legacy that is huge and that has spanned generations that my dad and my mom shared,' Robert said. 

He continued: 'And it's a real privilege to continue that, but photography became kind of Robert's way to continue that legacy. It was very individual for me.'

Speaking about his appreciation for cinematography he added, 'I have always just loved being behind the camera as much as in front of the camera.

'I think it's just being around cinematographers and being in that world for a really long time, you get a great appreciation for that craft. 

'And growing up I was able to visit the most amazing locations in the world on conversations projects, and I would end up taking a camera with me and it sort of just developed from there.' 

Robert also noted that wildlife photographers face one major hazard and it's not poisonous animals: Thieves.

his remarks came after he paid a heartfelt tribute to his 61-year-old mother, praising her unwavering support following the tragic death of his father, Steve Irwin, who passed away at 44 in a stingray-related incident.