How did your interest in wildlife arise?
Wildlife photography came into my life in 2022 when my 17 year-long baking career ended abruptly due to the pandemic. Seeking a new meaning and purpose in my newfound emptiness, I took a holiday to Rishikesh, where, coincidentally, I chanced upon a Crimson Sunbird that was perched on a Mulberry bush just outside of my room. I had never noticed such a beautiful bird before; mesmerized and fully present to its unique beauty, I wanted to know all about it and explore more such beautiful birds in that region. This incident ignited my curiosity in the wildlife and compelled me to pick up a camera to present these stunning creatures of our planet to the world through my pictorial narratives.
How do you describe your journey as a photographer and a person?
If I were to choose a word for both, I would say ‘Enriching’. I have seen a palpable transformation in the way I understand and approach photography, which keeps growing and evolving with each time I go out into the wild with my camera. Not only have I learnt about the technicalities of operating and optimizing the camera to enhance my photography skills but also about the animals, their behavior and the way they coexist to maintain a natural equilibrium in their ecosystem.
At a personal level it’s been mostly about patience, perseverance, acceptance and humility. Spending time in nature and pursuing photography has added a spark and structure to my quotidian existence which was pretty much freewheeling in many different directions.
Each wildlife photography experience makes me aware of how privileged I am to be able to share space with these magnificent creatures of our planet and humble to realize how insignificant my own existence is in the larger spectrum of this universe.
What is your view on wildlife conservation? How can we, as wildlife photographers, help protect our Mother nature?
Spending time in nature has made me conscious about respecting, protecting and conserving our environment which is fast depleting due to human carbon footprints. Climate change that is threatening the survival of many species and deforestation leading to habitat loss are realities that we can’t shy away from anymore, therefore it has become imperative to become a voice of reason, not just for us as wildlife enthusiasts but also as a human race. I believe as wildlife photographers we have the visual medium to create awareness by bringing stories into the urban world from the wild, starting with our own families, communities and eventually reaching a larger audience through various social media platforms.
At a personal capacity my motto is ‘walk the talk’. To that effect, leading by example is the most impactful way of preaching.
Can you give our readers the best wildlife photography tips?
Object Knowledge: I would say knowing your gears to optimize them optimally.
Subject Knowledge: Understanding animal behavior to maximize the sighting.
Self-awareness: To be fully present to the moment and approach it with equanimity without getting carried away.
What plans do you have in the future related to wildlife photography?
I feel like I have barely scratched the surface in this field, there is so much to explore and discover! My plan is to travel to as many wildlife sanctuaries in different parts of the world and beautiful and pristine locations that are o! the beaten track. On my wish list is Pumas of Patagonia and Birds-of Paradise in Papua New Guinea!! Let’s see when that happens!!! My plan is to continuously grow and evolve as a photographer by observing and learning about the animals and enhance my photography and presentation skills.
