Welcome to PT Explorers, Supreet, we are thrilled to have you here! Do you mind introducing yourself to our readers?
Thanks for having me here. I am a professional wildlife photographer specializing in shooting tropical wildlife, especially birds. I was born and raised in India and now settled in Austin. I spend all my time in the rainforests of South America and founded my own company called Tropical Photo Tours which is into photography tours, conservation and works very closely with certain lodges for habitat preservation and wildlife documentation in Latin America.
Where and when did your wildlife photography journey arise?
In India, Assam to be specific. I was four years old when we visited Kaziranga national park to see the rhinos. It is then when the shutterbug also bit me. My dad would lend me his Yashica film camera to get a few shots.
Being predominantly a bird photographer (and an exceptional one at that), what has been the toughest challenge for you? Would you even define yourself as a bird photographer or do you feel that’s too limiting?
I honestly do not think that the label of a bird photographer is limiting, since I take pride in my work and the portfolio, I have built over several years in bird photography. However, to be honest I shoot all kinds of wildlife with frogs and snakes being my absolute favorites subjects. I’d say the toughest challenge during wildlife photography is and will always be the light and difficult environment we shoot in.
What can you tell us about your photography work with hummingbirds?
Simply put it’s a joy to photograph hummingbirds, both in their natural habitat and sometimes in a controlled environment like multi flash habitat. They are fast but at the same time predictable which helps us make some amazing flight shots of them. Freezing hummingbird wings is especially tough but with the right gear and technique one can do it well.
Do you mind sharing with our readers how you got into multi flash setups for your bird photography?
Like any other bird photographer, I was obsessed with flight shots of hummingbirds but had never shot one until I visited Costa Rica in 2015. With the lack of material and willingness of other photographers to share the knowledge I had to experiment it all. Eventually I started getting the results and later documented the entire process in a blog –
https://www.supreetsahoo.com/single-post/2016/07/09/High-Speed-Sync-Flash-Photography
Multi flash is a vast topic and needs a lot of technical understanding of how it is performed. Often the setup will fail if you get one thing wrong, yes, its like a castle built of cards.
Multi flash is a complex bird photography methodology that needs a lot of practice but foremost understanding of what is happening. In a nutshell Multi-flash is a setup when you freeze the action of a hummingbird in flight with end to end sharpness and overall image exposed correctly or as desired by the photographer.
It seems as though you’ve had your fair share of travel and wildlife experiences! What are some of your truly memorable moments?
I have travelled Latin America extensively and have already covered seveen countries with determination to domore in the coming years. Of the several interesting moments I have witnessed getting close to a Margay cat was probably one of the best experiences of all.
Tell us more about your tours and travels within Latin and South America?
We run a premium wildlife photography tour company that currently operates in seven countries across Latin America. We cover everything from birds to mammals and these tours are all-inclusive with expert guiding, technical assistance during photo sessions and a chance to experience the local culture while doing what you love – photography!
We create itineraries for every country with a lot of research and help from the local guides and that helps boost eco-tourism and local communities in these countries.
What does a typical day of a tour look like with you?
It starts early, around 4:30am (sometimes at 3am if we must travel for an hour) followed by an entire day of photography. Its not easy, as many would think. It takes time, energy and most importantly patience. Depending on where we are either carry packed lunch or grab something quick at local restaurants. The average photography sessions can be somewhere between 6-7 hours every day.
Do you have any iconic places or locations that draw you back for more photography?
Absolutely, there are many, but I am specifically drawn towards the highlands of Ecuador and Atlantic forest of Brazil. I could keep going back to these places all my life and not be tired.
Is there an animal that you are yet to photograph but would like to?
I would want to photograph an Andean Cat in South America! It is one of the rarest cats in the world and extremely difficult to see. Another such species is the Andean bear!
Do you have any photography dreams that you are yet to accomplish?
Several, but the top of my list is the mysterious Papua New Guinea to photograph the amazing Birds of paradise.
What would you recommend as a beginner camera or lens for someone who wants to get into bird photography?
In the present market there are so many options which are both good and bad at the same time! I think that while both Canon and Nikon have great options to choose from Sony and Olympus cannot be disregarded anymore. However, for the more tradition type I usually recommend a good crop-sensor and a zoom lens which would be a Nikon d750 with a Nikon 200-500mm lens or a Canon 80d with a 100-400mm lens. The 150-600mm lens options by Tamron and Sigma are also worthy alternatives to think about!
What are your three top tips for photographing wildlife that aren’t said enough?
I am going to share things that have helped me become a photographer and I hope it helps: PLAN
Prepare for your trip in advance, read trip reports, research on the birds found in the area, find the best guides, understand the species behavior.
List your targets and stick to them. This helps you focus on what you want and helps in minimal time wastage while on a tight schedule.
Act on your techniques. Learn the art of photography, so that you are equipped with the knowledge to get everything right when the time comes to photograph your targets.
Negotiate whatever you have learnt and read. Book knowledge prepares you in advance but photographing in live environment sometimes needs dynamic action and change of plans. So be flexible and receptive to change in environment, light, and things around you.
In your belief, what poses the largest threat to wildlife conservation? As a photographer what can be done about it?
The answer is simple, and I think we all know it. It is us, humans. Humans are the single greatest threat to wildlife. The unending desire to capitalize, harm and expand commercially is destroying the planet (it already has). Our work as photographers is to spread awareness and do our bit to help local communities. While it sounds cliched it still holds a lot of water! Small steps to educate people of how these forests help our wildlife sustain, what species can these conservation efforts save, how local communities are working towards achieving that goal can help in creating some healing to the depleting mother nature.
What do you think of the role of social media and wildlife photography?
I would say that it is noticeably big. Both good and bad! Good, because of the awareness and education it spreads but also bad because it is now a proven fact that poachers use this information.
In the time of Covid-19, there is a rising awareness of protecting and preserving our planet. Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share in light of this recent outbreak? How has it impacted you as a photographer?
COVID has both positively and negatively impacted things. Personally, I have not been to a forest in over 4 months and it seems like this will continue in the near future, impacting the business on both sides, as a client and a host. The good however is that the planet is healing. Animals are safer, deforestation is at an all time low and everything is regenerating again!
Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?
I usually answer this in two folds –
