Every wildlife photographer has an origin story. What first pulled you out into the wild with a camera?
Every creature carries a story that’s happening whether or not anyone is watching. A camera is just the excuse to pay attention. And once you start paying attention, you never really stop. Similar thing happened with me, just take the camera and click images of birds and landscapes. A woodpecker image which was clicked by me gave me more confidence and love towards photography and if you have the passion you just go for it and I did the same and am enjoying.
Take us to an early morning in the field that you still remember vividly — where were you, and what happened?
Early morning in Lalbagh (Bangalore), just had been for a work with my DSLR camera and mobile phone. Saw some parrots chirping and squirrels eating the left overs in the park. Tiny things which they were doing was so beautiful. I enjoyed the scene for few minutes and then started to click some images which are still my favourites.
Is there a photographer, naturalist, or someone in your life who shaped the way you see the natural world?
I have many mentors in my photography world, firstly its my grandfather who gave me a Konica Minolta mini camera and then it was my uncle who showed me the Kodak camera with flash, the most exciting thing was to know how to develop the photo from the film or negatives. Recently when I started to take photography seriously I followed Mr. Jayanth Sharma (Toehold) and Sudhir Shivaram, the you tube videos, the reviews, techniques, camera they use and lens.. everything I learnt from them and still its learning process only. There are many others who inspire everyday with their honest and natural creativity.
What are some of your signature wildlife frames?
We were in Panna Tiger Reserve waiting for the tiger to come near the pond as Tiger was sleeping inside the bush, every Jeep was waiting near the bush; but our driver gave us an option, sir do you need frame where tiger comes from the bush or walking to the pond and relaxing in water. We choose the second option and stopped in front of the pond. We witnessed a wonderful moment where the tiger walks, drinks water and then relaxing in the pond. It was a dream come true image as took countless pictures of every actions done by the tiger. Rest the images only speak on what was seen through my eyes.
What's the story behind that frame — how did the moment come together?
We were in Panna Tiger Reserve waiting for the tiger to come near the pond as Tiger was sleeping inside the bush, every Jeep was waiting near the bush; but our driver gave us an option, sir do you need frame where tiger comes from the bush or walking to the pond and relaxing in water. We choose the second option and stopped in front of the pond. We witnessed a wonderful moment where the tiger walks, drinks water and then relaxing in the pond. It was a dream come true image as took countless pictures of every actions done by the tiger. Rest the images only speak on what was seen through my eyes.
What bird photograph are you especially proud of?
Every bird which has been shared here is taken in different places over the years. Location is Bhadra tiger reserve, Bandipur tiger reserve, Nagarahole national park. The much needed thing is patience and silence to capture the birds and I have learnt in this photography journey.
Tell us about that bird and the wait it took to get the shot.
Every bird which has been shared here is taken in different places over the years. Location is Bhadra tiger reserve, Bandipur tiger reserve, Nagarahole national park. The much needed thing is patience and silence to capture the birds and I have learnt in this photography journey.
What landscape image captures a place close to your heart?
The pictures were taken in Bali, Indonesia (Ulun Danu Beratan Temple). When I pressed shutter, the air gets that warm, heavy stillness and sky starts its slow burn. The sky looks like a painting in colors that feel too saturated to be real. Mist hovered at the base of the mountains, catching the last light and turning it into a thin, luminous veil, the temple looked almost like it was floating.
Where was it, and what was the light doing when you pressed the shutter?
The pictures were taken in Bali, Indonesia (Ulun Danu Beratan Temple). When I pressed shutter, the air gets that warm, heavy stillness and sky starts its slow burn. The sky looks like a painting in colors that feel too saturated to be real. Mist hovered at the base of the mountains, catching the last light and turning it into a thin, luminous veil, the temple looked almost like it was floating.
What does your gear or setup look like out in the field?
Walk us through how you actually work in the field — what's your rhythm on a shoot?
I have a checklist kind of a thing prepared before getting in the field. 1. Arrive as early as possible at the field so that you will have sometime to setup things and no rush. 2. Carry all the equipment and accessories so that you don't miss the shots which are not repeatable in nature. 3. Check for a comfortable place (especially when you want to capture birds), setup the equipment and accessories without noise as birds and animals make a quick move when they here sounds. 4. Test the settings through which you are prepared to capture, it may be modes, aperture rate, ISO etc. 5. Rhythm would be slow and when the species is around just make sure you take pictures in all angles and capture the behavior of the animal or bird.
What photo from a location or expedition has stayed with you?
It was a planned visit to Mantralaya, a temple visit. But it turned out to be a memorable one as we had time and planned to explore Hampi, one of the precious heritage of Karnataka. We reached by evening and took rest. Next morning it was me and my Gear roaming around the hills and rocks, witnessed some breath taking scenes and captured those and every time the desire to visit Hampi is being increased because of the love which this place has.
What made that place or that day so memorable?
It was a planned visit to Mantralaya, a temple visit. But it turned out to be a memorable one as we had time and planned to explore Hampi, one of the precious heritage of Karnataka. We reached by evening and took rest. Next morning it was me and my Gear roaming around the hills and rocks, witnessed some breath taking scenes and captured those and every time the desire to visit Hampi is being increased because of the love which this place has.
Is there a species, a sanctuary, or a landscape you're still dreaming of photographing?
Yes there are many in my list. All kind of species, from mighty tiger to macro frog or snake. I have visited few places but the desire to explore will be there and look for new species is more. Tiger Sanctuary in India, Macro photography in famous spots in India, Landscapes in Karnataka, especially Western Ghats. Of course have the hunger to visit African countries to witness the migration, one fine day will do that also.
When you're finally alone with a subject in the wild, what does that moment feel like for you?
I feel that moment should be freeze and no movement at all, be there to witness the stillness and silence of the moment. Walk away with a frame that carries not just what was seen, but that rare feeling, quiet connection between two beings who shared a moment without needing anything from each other.
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