Which of your wildlife photographs best showcase your signature style?
My portfolio demonstrates my range in capturing wildlife moments. For example, I have documented a pair of nesting Asian Paradise Flycatchers—showing both the magnificent long-tailed male watching over the nest and the female feeding their chicks—to tell a story of shared parental care. One photo freezes the high-speed drama of a feeding frenzy, where an egret and terns compete for food, capturing the energy and tension of the moment. I also focus on intimate, light-driven portraits: for the Common Grackle, I used lighting to highlight its stunning iridescent feathers, while for the American Robin, I chose gentle backlighting for an atmospheric morning mood. Each image goes beyond documenting animals—I strive to capture the emotion and narrative within a single frame.
How do you approach editing your wildlife photographs, and what goes into your process?
When editing my wildlife photos, I typically start with color grading to enhance the mood and bring out the natural vibrancy. I pay close attention to composition, often applying the rule of thirds through cropping for balanced, compelling visuals. Masking helps me control the lighting, like making the morning glow subtle to create an evocative, moody vibe. The goal is to make each image both dynamic and authentic, ensuring that the edits highlight the essence of the moment without overshadowing the subject's natural beauty.
What’s the most surprising wildlife moment you’ve ever witnessed and photographed?
One of my most astonishing wildlife encounters happened when I photographed a Blue-bellied roller. Although it's a non-migratory bird native to Africa, I spotted a pair in the open grassland of West Bengal, India—an area slated for construction. It was totally unexpected and took me by surprise, as I never imagined seeing such a rare visitor outside its usual range, in a place undergoing rapid change. Moments like this remind me of the unpredictability of wildlife and keep my passion alive.
What’s your essential wildlife photography gear, and how does it support your work in the field?
My core setup includes a Nikon D7500 camera body paired with a Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens, along with extra batteries and a charger. This combination lets me capture distant wildlife with outstanding clarity, ensuring I never miss a fleeting moment in nature. Over time, I've come to trust this gear for its reliability and versatility—it handles everything from quick action shots to intimate portraits, making it ideal for my style of wildlife photography.
Which close-up animal portrait do you feel captures a special moment or emotion?
This portrait stands out to me because a shallow depth of field allowed me to perfectly isolate the bird in sharp focus against a soft, natural background. The combination of the subject's dynamic pose and beautiful light brings out an intimate, almost lifelike quality in the image. I think this shot draws viewers in and captures the energy and spirit of the animal in a truly compelling way.
What makes Mangalajodi your favorite location for wildlife photography?
Mangalajodi is my favorite location because its incredible biodiversity and successful conservation efforts lead to amazing photographic experiences. Located on Chilika Lake, it’s celebrated for its dense populations of migratory birds, creating endless opportunities for capturing rare and breathtaking moments. What I really admire is the community-driven model: local poachers have become expert guides and stewards of the wetland. Their knowledge ensures responsible, ethical access for photographers and helps maintain the natural balance. It’s a place where your work directly supports conservation, making every visit rewarding both creatively and ethically.
Can you tell us about a recent experiment with a new technique or perspective in your wildlife photography?
Recently, I experimented with capturing habitat shots rather than focusing solely on action or close-up portraits. This approach taught me the importance of composition in telling a complete story—the entire environment becomes part of the narrative, not just the animal or bird itself. It’s a challenge to frame the scene in a way that balances subject and setting, but it adds depth and context, enriching the story behind the image. It’s an evolving part of my style that I find both rewarding and inspiring.
What's it like being outdoors during a wildlife shoot, and how do you capture those moments in your self-portraits?
For me, being outdoors for a wildlife shoot is always a blend of adrenaline and tranquility. There’s a lot of patience involved—waiting quietly for the perfect moment, tuning in to subtle signals in nature, and being present in the environment. When capturing self-portraits in the field, I strive to reflect that connection with nature, showing both the excitement of the chase and the reflective moments that are part of every shoot. These self-portraits give viewers a glimpse into the effort and dedication involved in wildlife photography.
What motivates you to pursue wildlife photography?
My passion for wildlife photography is driven by a dual commitment to scientific understanding and conservation. As a life science scientist, I'm dedicated to advancing human health, but as a photographer, my goal is to preserve and celebrate the beauty of the natural world. I operate by the motto 'Discover, Protect, Inspire,' aiming to make a tangible difference for future generations. Photography, for me, is more than just art—it’s a tool for advocacy that can build emotional connections between people and nature. By telling compelling stories through my images, I hope to foster wonder, urgency, and concrete support for conserving our planet’s rich biodiversity.
