Rene Rossignaud’s favourite photo of a boy holding a rifle in Libya.

When he captured Libya in the stare of a boy who had just lost his parents and brother, Rene Rossignaud knew he had all the shots he needed. He headed back to the car and told the driver he was ready to return to Malta.

The black-and-white picture of the youngster holding an automatic rifle was the last photograph he took on his trip to the North African country in 2011.

It is also Mr Rossignaud’s favourite photo that features in his autobiography published by Kite Group – the first ever by a Maltese photojournalist – called Rene Rossignaud – The first 13 years.

“When I take a picture I want the person looking at it from the other end to relate to what I’m experiencing.

“I want them to see what I am seeing so I try to capture as much information as I can in one shot,” the internationally renowned photographer told this newspaper.

I want them to see what I am seeing so I try to capture as much information as I can

Mr Rossignaud started shooting pictures when he was around 14 years old and an avid BMX biker. It was the only way of capturing the heights he jumped from.

After receiving a graphic design degree from the Tarġa Gap School of Arts and Craft, today known as Mcast, he got his first job with a local newspaper in 2000 aged 19. He left his post to work freelance just four years later.

Lady Gaga at the MTV EMAs 2011 in Belfast.

Writing a book to record his work so far had always been on his mind.

“I have captured so many events that I wanted to collect them all in one publication. In a way, the book is another milestone,” he said.

The photojournalist wrote his autobiography over the past year while travelling by plane to more than 40 destinations – a record number of trips for Mr Rossignaud in one year.

“It was the busiest, but also a very amazing year.

“In November alone, I travelled through 15 airport terminals.”

Over the past year he has travelled among others to Syria, Nepal, the Arctic Circle, Morocco, New York and Glasgow for the MTV Music Europe Awards.

He doubts he will ever break this record and his next trip will be a holiday with his two daughters.

Meanwhile, Mr Rossignaud’s next big plan is the opening of a Nikon School in Malta.

He will be the brand ambassador here and the school will host basic to professional photography classes for people of all ages, including children.