How did your journey in nature and outdoor photography begin?
It all started about four years ago when I was visiting my native place, which is located near the outskirts of Rajasthan. It's a stunning area with amazing people. One day, while traveling with my father to a nearby spot, I heard peacocks calling out against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. That was such a magical experience that it sparked my desire to pick up a camera and start capturing moments.
What was the first moment you realized you wanted to pursue this craft?
I think it was watching a sunset from the terrace of my house in my native village, with a cold, chilling breeze blowing. That serene feeling, combined with the same kind of peace I feel where I currently live, made me realize this was something I wanted to dedicate myself to.
How has your photography style evolved over the years?
At first, I used to take pictures of every sunset I saw, believing that everything in the frame was equally important. It was like I thought every element was a potential subject. But over time, with feedback from my cousins and a few close friends, I learned that not everything belongs in the shot. I realized that each photo needs to have a sense of purpose or meaning—something that draws people in and tells a story. That shift in perspective has been crucial to my growth.
What does a typical day of shooting look like for you?
I’m not really a fully-fledged photographer, so I can't describe a typical day in the field. But whenever I'm out clicking photos, I feel like everything around me slows down. Time itself seems endless, and I get completely lost in the moment. It’s a very meditative experience.
Walk us through the images you feel represent your best work right now.
The first photo is special because it shows that even broken or defective things have a unique beauty—just like every human is unique and shouldn't be compared. The next one, of a trashed bike, carries a similar meaning but adds the idea that something old and rusty now was once a vital, dependable part of someone's life. The third is a silhouette of a bike; it doesn't hold a deep personal meaning, but I love its abstract quality. The last one is a silhouette of a bird watching the sun, representing freedom and the endless sky, always reaching for new heights.
Can you tell us about a landscape or wildlife shot you captured in challenging conditions?
The first pic is of an alligator. To get that shot, I had to reach my hands out as far as possible, close to the water of the lake we were in, while the ferry was fairly close to the rock where the alligator was basking. It was a bit risky. The second picture was taken after I trekked up a mountain with a breathtaking view. While clicking that one, I was standing on the edge of a cliff and almost tripped—it was a close call, but the view was worth it.
Walk us through your editing process—what did you do with that before-and-after pair?
First, I leveled the image since it was tilted. Then I increased the exposure and adjusted the light balance because the original was a bit too dark. Finally, I decreased the structure and highlights to make the photo look smoother and give it a more seamless, polished feel.
Tell us about the short video clip you captured—what was the moment like?
I was on a hilltop when I recorded that clip. I captured it because it was one of those incredibly peaceful moments that many people move to the countryside for. It also reminded me of the day I first started taking photos, so it holds a lot of sentimental value.
What's your go-to gear for outdoor shoots, and why do you rely on it?
It's a mobile phone stand. I wouldn't call it my favorite gear, but I use it most often because it provides extra stability for both photos and videos. It's simple, but it makes a huge difference in keeping my shots sharp.
What challenges did you face while capturing that sunrise shot near the lake?
I had to get up very early to take that photo because it was near a lake where construction was going on. The public wasn't really allowed near the water at that time, so I had to sneak in early before anyone noticed. It was a bit stressful, but the light was perfect.
What inspired the unique composition in that experimental shot?
I chose that composition because it was during a sunset, and the clouds had aligned perfectly with a pole to make it look like a tornado was being created. It gave the whole scene a magical, otherworldly feel. I wanted to convey that sometimes the most overlooked things can create the most unique and beautiful moments.
What draws you to your favorite nature subjects, and how do you capture their essence?
The first picture draws me in because of its ghostly, mysterious presence. I captured it while I was seeing a very old fortress during a trip. It happened to be raining at the time, which added that haunting, ethereal quality I described. The second picture was taken while traveling, just after the rain had stopped. The droplets on the leaves give it a completely fresh, renewed feeling—like the world had just been washed clean.
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