How did your journey in wildlife photography begin?
My love for nature and wildlife was sown very early, and I owe it entirely to my parents. They were both deeply passionate about the natural world, and they would take me on wildlife trips when I was just a baby. Those early experiences, observing and learning from my father, sparked an enthusiasm that never left me. As I grew older and my own interest blossomed, they were my biggest cheerleaders, encouraging me to follow this passion—a support they still offer today. To put it simply, the initial spark came from my parents, and later, various nature shows and documentaries fanned that flame into a full-blown drive for wildlife photography.
What was the first wildlife moment that made you fall in love with photography?
While I had visited many parks and nature retreats before, my true eye-opener for photography happened during a visit to Masinagudi in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Two of my friends, Mr. John and Mr. Roshan, owned a place there, and I had just arrived. As I stood on their porch, I looked out over a vast grassland interspersed with trees. In that very moment, over a hundred cheetal, or spotted deer, entered the frame. The sight was so breathtaking, so perfectly composed, that it was permanently etched on my mind. That was the precise moment I decided I had to capture such moments forever.
How has your experience in wildlife photography grown over the years?
Absolutely, the growth has been immense. Each trip into the field teaches me something new, whether it's about animal behavior, light, or patience. I've learned that every outing is a masterclass in observation. What started as simply wanting to capture a beautiful animal has evolved into a deep desire to tell a story about the habitat, the mood, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The technical skills have sharpened, but more importantly, my understanding of wildlife and my respect for their space has deepened profoundly.
What wildlife species do you feel most connected to, and why?
Without a doubt, it's the tiger. I have an immense respect for this species, and every encounter I've had has reinforced that feeling. Each time I've seen one, it has effortlessly portrayed the truth behind Jim Corbett's famous quote: 'The Tiger is a gentleman.' There is a quiet dignity, a regal calmness, and a raw power in them that just resonates with me. They are not just predators; they are the soul of the forest.
Tell us about a photo that represents your best wildlife photography work.
It was a scorching hot summer afternoon during a game drive in Bandipur Tiger Reserve. We had just entered the forest, sweating and eagerly scanning every direction. The silence was absolute. The forest looked devoid of life; even the leaves stood still as there was no breeze. Yet, in all its might, the queen of the jungle was afoot and on the prowl. She walked just in front of us, kicking up dust behind her, cutting through the stifling heat. We had a brief but magnificent opportunity to observe her before she vanished into the thickets. That image perfectly captures that moment of silent, raw power.
Walk us through the editing choices you made in the unedited version of your wildlife shot.
My main goal was to emphasize the details on the subject, which were particularly noticeable in that raw image. In my mind, it was the only thing I was focused on: how was I going to show the audience the finer textures of the animal's fur and the intensity in its eye while still preserving the integrity of its habitat? I didn't want to over-process and create an artificial look. It was a careful balance of pulling out the details without compromising the natural atmosphere of the scene.
What makes your current camera gear essential for your work?
I am happy to share that this particular system offers an incredible combination of advancement, versatility, and maneuverability without compromising on quality. In wildlife photography, you often need to react in a split second, and the gear's reliability is paramount. This setup gives me the confidence to chase the perfect shot, whether I am tracking a fast-moving bird or capturing a low-light predator at dusk.
What was a particularly challenging behind-the-scenes session like?
Each trip is a challenge, to be honest. The same location can offer wildly different challenges depending on the season, the weather, and even the time of day. In every session, I am simply looking for the best pose the subject can offer, the best frame that tells a story about the habitat, the best light I could possibly get, and the colours that will make the image sing. It's a constant puzzle, and that's part of the thrill.
How did you achieve the unique perspective in this wildlife shot?
To capture this image of a Malabar giant squirrel mid-jump, I had to do more than just point and shoot. I spent time observing the species, studying its behavior patterns, and understanding its movements. The key was to anticipate its actions. By knowing where it was likely to leap next, I could pre-focus and be ready to freeze the action at the precise moment it launched itself. It's a combination of patience, study, and being in the right place at the right time.
Contact and Follow
Instagram: dr_pradeep_elango
Email: doc.pradeepelango@gmail.com
