How did your interest in wildlife begin?
I have been photographing dogs/cats for adoption at my local shelter for more than 20 years. During Covid when most weddings (I was a long time wedding photographer) got cancelled, I started taking photos of birds in my backyard. As a huge animal lover who is a photographer by profession, it was but natural that wildlife was in my cards.
How would you describe your journey as a photographer and as a person?
I am new to wildlife photography. My first time seeing animals in the wild was at Masai Mara in January of 2023. From that very moment I got hooked. In the past two years I have gone back to Masai Mara another three times, visited Tanzania and Ranthambore just couple of months ago. So, the journey has just begun.
I have always been fascinated by animals (I have five dogs and three cats – all rescued from different shelters). There is so much to learn from them every day. During Migration, I saw a big pride of lions watching a baby zebra who was also limping. The herd had gone way ahead. The baby was with his parents, who decided to stay with him. My heart started thumping as I was sure the baby and or its parents will become lion food. Surprisingly, there was no action. our Guide explained that they did not kill because the lions were not hungry. In animal world, you don’t kill for fun, only to eat!!!
What are your thoughts on wildlife conservation? How can we, as wildlife photographers, contribute to protecting our natural world?
There can be no second thought about Wildlife Conservation. Let us remember that we Humans are just part of the same planet. From the tiny worm to the mammoth Elephant, we have our respective places in this world. No way are we Humans superior. The tiny Bees are responsible for fertilizing over 75% of flowering plants and about 35% of global food crops. Let us humans match that. But the responsibility lies on us to protect them. I was shocked to see a leopard sitting on the top of a tree, unable to come down since there were 40 vehicles with multiple photographers pointing cameras just to get one “Perfect shot”. It’s okay to not have that perfect shot. Let’s respect the wildlife.
Could you share your top wildlife photography tips? Any recommendations on camera settings or gear?
Being very new to this I am still learning but if I had to think of one – that would be patience is your best gear. Respect wildlife and be patient – you will get your shot.
Camera Setting is a very personal thing. It’s different for each person. Don’t try a new setting on the field, practice in your backyard – you may not have Lion King to practise with, but you could have Tom and Jerry.
As for gear, don’t forget the wide angles when you are packing the telephotos, wildlife in its habitat is as important a photo as the close up.
What are your future plans related to wildlife photography?
To meet as many animals as possible. No two animals are same. If my photo can make others fall in love with the wildlife/nature, my purpose is served
Tell us about the gear you currently use.
I am a hardcore Nikon person. I typically shoot with two Z9s. I have a D5 in the bag. The lenses that I typically carry are Nikkor 70-200, 400mm f2.8, 800, 14-24 and the Tamaron 150-600.
