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Wild Through the Lens: An Interview with Wildlife Photographer Alvin Mathew

Wild Through the Lens: An Interview with Wildlife Photographer Alvin Mathew

What inspired you to start your journey in wildlife photography?

The stories in National Geographic were my first spark. I remember being mesmerized by those vivid pages as a child—the way a single image could transport you into the heart of the wild. That wonder never left me, and it eventually pushed me to pick up a camera and try to tell my own stories.

When was the first time you realized you wanted to capture wildlife through your lens?

It happened the moment I held my camera and took a photo of a dog's eyes. I zoomed in and saw something I had never noticed before—a deep, quiet intelligence. I realized that animals see the world in a totally different way than we do. In that instant, I knew I wanted to capture all their hidden beauties and, more importantly, make people aware of their existence.

How has your experience grown over the past three months since you began?

It's been an incredibly interesting journey. Every time I head out to a new place, I get to explore its flora and fauna up close. Each location feels like a fresh chapter, and the whole experience—the waiting, the spotting, the clicking—has become a wonderful adventure that keeps teaching me patience and observation.

What message do you hope to convey through your photography, especially regarding conservation?

I want people to understand that this planet isn't just our home—it's the home of these exotic beauties too. Please don't cut down their forests or drive them to extinction. Through my images, I hope to show that every creature has a right to exist, and that coexistence is not just possible but essential.

What photo best represents your wildlife photography style, and what makes it special?

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

These photos speak about the very existence of wildlife and prove that animals have some of the most beautiful poses you'll ever see. I've also included a portrait of a man in the mix, which captures the raw emotions of a Homo sapiens—it's a reminder that we are all part of the same story.

Tell us the story behind capturing that rare or endangered animal.

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

This is a Hume's boobook, an owl that's endangered in the Andaman Islands. I captured this image when I went for a walk on my balcony—my house is right in a forest area. The bird was just sitting there on a rope, so I grabbed my camera, used full flash, and took the shot. I did a bit of editing afterward to improve the composition, but the moment itself was pure luck and patience.

Walk us through your editing process—what adjustments did you make on your before-and-after shot and why?

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

My main goal was to make the photo look brighter and give it that golden-hour feel. I wanted it to feel natural, as if the light was always there. So I increased the exposure and worked on the warmth to bring out that rich, warm glow without overdoing it.

How do you approach capturing the emotional side of wildlife?

For me, it all comes down to timing. When I capture those photos, I feel like the perfect split-second—when the animal is relaxed or curious or alert—reveals something deeper. It's about being patient and ready for that honest moment that shows what the animal is truly feeling.

What made your favorite wildlife encounter so memorable?

Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames
Reels and Frames

That encounter was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Three animals appeared out of nowhere, and I captured them all in one go, filled with strong emotions and pure passion. It felt like the universe rewarded my patience that day, and it's a moment I'll never forget.

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Email: drishyastudio0106@gmail.com

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