How did your journey into street and travel photography begin?
While working in the corporate world, photography became my way of slowing down and connecting with the world around me. What started as a simple interest in documenting places I visited soon evolved into a passion for capturing people, emotions, and everyday stories. I found that the camera gave me a reason to pause, observe, and truly see the beauty in the ordinary.
What was the first photo you took that made you feel like a photographer?
It’s difficult to point to a single picture, but one image that stands out was of Mumbai’s iconic BMC building. It was January, and we had unexpected showers. As the rains eased, the sky turned spectacular, and what caught my attention was the reflection of the building in a small puddle. Everything was just perfect—the light, the colours. That image taught me to look beyond the obvious and to trust that magic can happen when you least expect it.
How has your experience and style evolved from street photography to wildlife photography?
It feels less like a change of subject and more like a continuation of the same pursuit—capturing stories. The streets taught me to read people and look for stories unfolding in plain sight; the wild is teaching me to read nature. Out there, nature decides if and when a photograph happens. You may wait for hours for a single frame, and that makes every good click feel like a gift. The patience and anticipation I learned on the streets have served me well in the wilderness.
What motivates you to capture moments in both urban and natural environments?
Cities are full of human stories—moments of joy, resilience, faith, and everyday life. Nature, on the other hand, reminds me to slow down and be present. Both environments offer endless opportunities to connect with the world, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to document them. The contrast between the two keeps my perspective fresh and my curiosity alive.
Which street photographs best represent your style, and what makes each one special?
1. The Aghori baba was clicked on one of the mornings in Varanasi. He was completely in his element, unbothered by the passing boats or the cameras or the city waking up around him. 2. Capturing the BMC building in the rain became a defining moment in my journey as a photographer, reminding me that sometimes all it takes is an unplanned shower to change the way you see your city—and yourself behind the lens. 3. Captured during the vibrant celebrations of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi, this young boy stood out amidst the sea of lamps and devotion. It was an expression of faith and belonging. 4. This was clicked during the Shri Vitthal Birdev Yatra in Kolhapur. Amidst the music, energy, and celebrations, the woman surrendered herself completely to faith. 5. Captured amidst the vibrant energy of the Pattankodoli Yatra, this man stood out in a sea of photographers and clouds of yellow turmeric. He seemed completely immersed in the ritual.
Can you share some wildlife photos that mark your transition, and tell us about them?
All these pictures were taken at Masai Mara, Kenya. 1. Before visiting the Masai Mara, I had a very specific image in my mind—an elephant photographed from a low angle, framed against dramatic skies. When the moment finally arrived, there was just one problem—I couldn’t get low enough. My hand was getting stuck against the vehicle, and the angle I wanted seemed impossible. Sensing my frustration, our guide simply smiled and said, “Open the door and take the shot.” And just like that, everything fell into place. The angle, the sky, the elephant, and the moment. 2. Seeing an entire pride of lions for the first time was an unforgettable experience. As the lion fixed his gaze on my lens, I looked back through my viewfinder and finally understood what true regality looks like. 3. This lioness let out a huge yawn—and my shutter just kept going. I knew I wanted that one frame that revealed her wild, ferocious side: the sharp canines, the power, the untamed beauty.
What makes your favorite travel destination so special to you?
This picture was clicked at Kumzumla Pass, Spiti. Mountains are where I feel most connected to myself. It carries a sense of peace that’s hard to put into words. The vastness and silence of the Himalayas have a way of putting everything into perspective, and I always come back feeling renewed.
Walk us through your editing process for a wildlife shot.
This was edited in Lightroom. I wanted to highlight the cheetah’s intense focus, so I cropped the frame to draw attention to him while intentionally keeping the jeep in the background to preserve the safari context. I made subtle adjustments to the exposure to enhance the beautiful morning light and increased the vibrancy slightly to bring out the natural tones. The goal was to keep it authentic while emphasizing the mood of the moment.
What equipment do you rely on most and why?
If it’s a planned trip, I rely on my Nikon D7500 paired with a telephoto lens for wildlife and a 24-70mm for travel and street photography. I also use my iPhone 16 Pro for spontaneous captures and some behind-the-scenes shots. Each tool has its place, and I’ve learned to adapt based on what the situation demands.
Describe a challenge you overcame while shooting and how you captured that shot.
Documenting Theyyam is a game of split seconds. There was so much happening around me that planning the shot was impossible. I captured this while balancing on a chair that already buckled, trusting my reflexes more than my footing. In that fleeting split second, I knew I had the picture I was looking for. It was a reminder that sometimes you have to let go of control and just react.
Contact and Follow
Email: Deepajathar@gmail.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/deepajathar
