How did your journey in wildlife photography begin?
My wildlife photography journey started with my love for nature. I began carrying a camera on safaris and trips to capture the beauty around me. Photographing a big cat, mammals, and nature for the first time was a special moment that created a deep connection with the wild. Since then, I have been sharing stories of wildlife and nature through my photographs.
What was the first moment you knew you wanted to capture the untamed lives of big cats?
I first saw a big cat in the zoo and on the Discovery Channel, and I was amazed by its beauty and grace. That moment made me want to see animals in the wild, in their true home. Since then, I decided to buy a camera once my budget allowed, and started capturing the untamed lives of mammals. This is how my wildlife photography journey began.
How has your experience and approach to photographing mammals evolved over the years?
My approach to wildlife photography has changed over the years. In the beginning, I focused on capturing the beauty of mammals. Over time, I learned to wait for special moments—a look, an action, or a natural behavior. I'm not a professional photographer, just a wildlife enthusiast who enjoys capturing and sharing the stories of animals in the wild.
What personal connection do you feel when photographing big cats in the wild?
I feel privileged to witness such magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Every photograph becomes a memory of respect, admiration, and wonder.
Which photo best captures the raw emotion of a big cat in its natural habitat, and what makes it timeless?
1. Great Hornbill, Kaziranga: I traveled all the way to Kaziranga with one dream—to photograph my favorite bird, the Great Hornbill. When it finally appeared, it felt less like a sighting and more like meeting an old admiration in the wild. 2. Pujari Male, Bandhavgarh, Khitoli Zone: After three safaris of waiting and hoping, the forest finally rewarded my patience. Pujari Male emerged close to our gypsy, turning disappointment into one of my most unforgettable tiger encounters. 3. One-Horned Rhinoceros, Kaziranga: Standing before this magnificent giant, I felt immense pride in witnessing one of India's greatest conservation success stories. The One-Horned Rhinoceros is not just a species; it is a symbol of India's wild heritage. 4. F2 Tigress from Gothangeon with Five Cubs: Seeing F2 Tigress leading all five of her cubs was a rare and heartwarming moment. Watching the next generation follow their mother through the jungle felt like witnessing the future of the wild unfold before my eyes. 5. Cheetahs, Kuno National Park: My first encounter with cheetahs was beyond anything I had imagined. Seeing four of them together in Kuno made me feel part of a historic chapter in India's wildlife journey.
What story does your photo of mammals convey about their untamed lives?
1. Elephant Herd, Kaziranga: As the herd crossed the forest path, the adults moved with calm confidence while keeping the little one safely within the family circle. It was a beautiful reminder that in the wild, strength and care often walk side by side. 2. One-Horned Rhinoceros, Kaziranga: Watching this ancient giant silently cross the jungle road felt like witnessing a living piece of history. For a few moments, the forest belonged entirely to its steady and powerful presence. 3. Hoolock Gibbon, Kaziranga: Finding India's only ape family high in the forest canopy was a truly special experience. Sitting quietly among the leaves, it seemed to watch the world with a wisdom that only the wild can teach. 4. Indian Wolf, Pench Tiger Reserve: The wolf appeared for only a brief moment, crossing the jungle track with quiet confidence. Unlike the famous predators of Pench, this rare sighting felt like discovering one of the forest's best-kept secrets. 5. Cub Following Its Mother, GIR National Park: The little cub sat behind its mother with the same attitude, curiosity, and confidence, as if already learning the ways of the wild. It was a heartwarming glimpse of how every great predator begins its journey.
What's your typical setup for a wildlife shoot, and how does it help you capture memorable moments?
I usually travel light and focus on the experience rather than documenting my setup. For most wildlife shoots, I carry a Nikon D7200 with a Nikkor 200-500mm VR lens, a Nikon D3300 with a 70-300mm VR lens, and a bean bag for stability during safaris. This approach helped me capture memorable moments such as the Great Hornbill in Kaziranga and the cheetahs of Kuno National Park.
What was the most challenging wildlife moment you've captured, and what made it rewarding?
1. Leopard at Night, Tadoba: It was almost dark and we were returning from the safari when a leopard appeared at a waterhole. Despite the high ISO and challenging light, I managed to capture a moment that felt truly magical and unexpected. 2. Tigress Riddhi Climbing a Tree, Ranthambore: With the sun against us and only moments left before exiting the park, Riddhi suddenly climbed nearly 12–15 feet up a tree. In the rush, I captured one of the rarest and most unforgettable wildlife moments I have ever witnessed. 3. D1 Tiger Head-On Portrait, Bandhavgarh: The dominant tiger D1 was hidden deep in tall grass, making focus a real challenge. After patiently waiting and taking a few frames, I was rewarded with a powerful head-on portrait that made every second worthwhile.
Which portfolio image defines your style, and why does it represent your work?
My photography is about capturing authentic wildlife behavior and the emotions hidden within fleeting moments. These images showcase patience, observation, and timing—from a cheetah scanning its surroundings from a tree, to a bold cub announcing its presence, a cheetah staying alert while drinking water, or a dominant tiger calmly observing its surroundings. I am passionate about capturing moments that reveal the true character of wildlife. Each image tells a story of awareness, attitude, and behavior, reflecting the untamed spirit of the wild.
Contact and Follow
Email: aistudioofcontent@gmail.com
Instagram: photoartseye
