WallMag: What got you started in wildlife photography?

My interest in photography started as a child. But, I began to use it more extensively when I used cameras to record animal behavior during her doctoral studies.

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

There are so many people - Michael "Nick" Nichols, Ansel Adams, Steve Winter, FW Champion... and many more. Their work portrayed how they saw the world, and each was a unique perspective. It shares a glimpse into the magic of the natural world.

WallMag: You are a woman in a male-dominated field, has this ever had an impact on your opportunities in work?

Yes, it has always been a challenge. Today it is easy, but in the earlier years, it was almost always only the men who were the wildlife photographers. Till-date, there are very few women who are known for their work.

WallMag: How far do you think your passion for wildlife conservation has grown after completing the doctorate on tigers?

I did the doctorate because of the passion I had for wildlife, the big cats, and the outdoors. The passion has grown every time I have been blessed to meet a big cat. The doctorate was a step in the journey.

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

Sometimes a lifetime will pass before you can see the behavior you have been waiting to see. At other times it could be hours, or days or weeks or months.

WallMag: What kind of equipment you use now, and what did you start with?

I started with the continue to use NIKON cameras. My first lenses were a 180mm prime and the 70-200mm 2.8 with film cameras. I now use, the D5, D850, Z7, and the D500. I have lenses ranging from an 800mm to a 14-24mm.

WallMag: What are the techniques you use while photographing?

There is no formula for wildlife photography. It is about the play of light and shadows, capturing a behavior, or focusing on emotion. The composition is of supreme importance and the ability to capture a passing event.

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

There is no repeat sequence. And no predicting when you will see what you see. There is no best time, no best month.

WallMag: Was there ever a moment you thought you were to close to the action, can you describe that incident in particular?

I have been working in the field for a long time. During this time, I have been charged and attacked many times by elephants, tigers, bears, and wild boars. Surprisingly one of the times I was most worried was when I was walking with my two dogs in the forests I owned at Kanha on my land. It was late afternoon, and as we rounded a bend, we found we had stumbled upon a sounder of wild boar with over 19 members and several little piglets. The matriarch of the group decided to charge us. My Rhodesian Ridgeback ran ahead barking, and the sow attacked him and used her tushes to rip him open. Seeing this, my older dog-a Rottweiler attacked her and chased her away from me and diverted her path of attack. I then carried the hurt dog home, and we had to stitch him up ourselves as there was no vet around. He needed 52 stitches, and it took several weeks before he was healed and able to get back to normal again. That was a very close call, and wild boar can be extremely dangerous.

I research the species beforehand and pinpoint the place where there is news of the best sightings of the species. I then also look for the best guide with the greatest knowledge about animals. I sometimes book the accommodation, safari drivers, and guides unto a year in advance to ensure that I give myself the best possible chance of sighting and photographing the species.

WallMag: Being a Wildlife Biologist, how do you think photography can change people's attitudes towards a few endangered species / Wildlife?

Photographs that tell a story are the best way of leaving an impression on someone's mind. It is the story that cannot be put into words. It is a means of sharing the way you look at an ordinary thing and show how extraordinary it is. It is this ability of photographs to open doors into the past, and also share glimpses of the future that makes this such a powerful medium.

WallMag: What are your top tips for capturing wildlife in its natural habitat?

Study and research the species. Learn to observe and watch behavior. It is okay to feel fear and to use the fear to sharpen your senses to be able to make acute observations of the animal in its habitat. Always be completely ethical about the approach to wildlife photography. Never endanger or threaten the animal by your acts.

WallMag: Can you throw some light on your journey from being a Wildlife Conservationist to achieving the title of 'Tiger Princess of India'?

I was given the title of Tiger Princess of India very early on in my career. Since then, I have worked for nearly two decades and learned so much about big cats and their conservation status in the field.

WallMag: What would you say to someone who dreams of becoming a photographer, but is too afraid to “step into the darkroom”?

You must feel the fear but never let the fear rule you. Courage, persistence, patience, and perseverance are all essential ingredients in becoming a photographer.

While studying photography, buying the best equipment is important and can make a difference. The one thing that is the most important is learning to make images that you can feel. When you learn to care, to forget yourself and immerse yourself in the moment and your subject, then and only then, can you capture bits of life and freeze them for posterity. It is this unique way that you see things that make for a truly great photographer.

You can follow Latika Nath on Instagram, to stay updated with her work.

You can also have a look at her Website.