WallMag: How did you get started with photography?

From childhood, I have been very fond of photography, but at that time, I couldn't afford the photography gear. In the year 2017, I got inspired by a colleague and started pouring my passion for wildlife photography. Since then, I have been exploring and photographing wildlife.

WallMag: Who is your inspiration in Wildlife Photography, and why?

Undoubtedly, I would say Thomas Vijayan Sir. He is my inspiration because he admires me with his work on wildlife photography. His photographs are unique and different from other renowned photographers around the world.

WallMag: What do you like most about being a photographer?

I enjoy wildlife photography because it has allowed me to share the most special moments of animals regularly. Also, I enjoy photography because it has allowed me to capture moments in the animal world that I never want to forget. As a photographer, these memories are precious, and I like it the most.

The major achievement is your internal satisfaction being a wildlife photographer.

WallMag: What do you think is the most challenging aspect of photographing nature wildlife?

Nature & wildlife photography is a wide range of photography taken outdoors, and it comes with a cost that a photographer has to bear. Apart from that, you have to dedicate a lot of time waiting for the best action shot during your safaris.

WallMag: Can you talk us through the process of capturing your images? what preparation or equipment is involved in the photography of this type, and how much planning goes into each project? Can you tell us about your gear and drone setup?

Patience is the mantra in wildlife photography, and you have to wait many hours in a day to get a perfect shot. For every type of photography, you have to use different gears like for photographing birds, you have to use lenses that have maximum FL, but for jungle safaris, you can use 70-200 or 400 prime lenses. One day prior planning is very important in wildlife photography.

WallMag: How long do you typically wait for your shots?

It depends. Sometimes it might take days to capture a perfect action shot, and sometimes it is done just in a few minutes.

WallMag: Can you tell us about the most memorable wildlife photography experience and what made it so special?

The same image that got me 3rd position in the WallMag Creative Photography Awards 2020. We were at Velavadar national park and looking for action scenes where we noticed this unique formation of WWW by a few male blackbucks resting on the paddy field. It is very special to me as it got many awards and accolades in the past.

WallMag: As a photographer, how far do you think participating in awards/contests is important for a photography career?

As a professional photographer or as someone aspiring to become one, it is an important part to get noticed amongst the world's best. Appreciation gives you a boost and energy to perform best in the field.

WallMag: What are your thoughts on raw images vs images that have been worked on (Photoshop)?

Processing raw images is like giving a shape and color to an idol to make it more presentable.

WallMag: What camera/gear do you use for photography?

I use Nikon D850 camera along with 200-500 lens.

WallMag: What do you believe makes your wildlife images successful?

Most wildlife photos usually include a non-distracting background with a significant subject. The aim is to highlight your subjects and make them stand out.

WallMag: What are the difficulties faced by a wildlife photographer on a regular basis?

Buying appropriate gears is a challenge in wildlife photography. Wildlife Photography consumes a huge time to get the perfect shot.

WallMag: Could you please describe your experience of participating in WallMag Creative photography awards 2020 and marking your presence as top 3rd winner? What tips would you like to give to upcoming participants?

I was very eager to participate in WallMag Photography Awards as a few of my friends knew the brand well and suggested that I should go for it.

I would always recommend all the participants to do hard work on your field and don't do it for the sake of winning a contest or competition.

You can follow Gyana Mohanty on Instagram to stay updated with his work.

You can also have a look at his Winning Photography Submission at WallMagCreative Photography Awards 2020.