Can you take us back to the moment or experience that sparked your passion for wildlife photography?
I was always fascinated as a child with all the interesting life forms in and around my house such as frogs, insects, birds, etc. I was later inspired by documentary films on wildlife and nature that I came across on TV and directed towards capturing the flora and fauna around me. This was the beginning of my journey as a wildlife photographer
Who or what were your biggest influences when you started your journey as a nature photographer?
My initial inspiration was the documentaries and programs about wildlife on TV. As I got more involved, I started following the work of most of the famous photographers through wildlife and photography books and magazines in libraries.
Your work beautifully captures the emotion and mood of the wild. How would you describe your personal photographic style?
Whilst I have been inspired by many photographers whose work I admire and collect, I have always sought to maintain my own unique style rather than replicate what I have seen. As I have matured, my focus has shifted toward capturing the behaviour of the subjects I work with.
Do you plan your shots with a vision in mind, or do you allow nature to surprise you?
I let nature guide my approach and the framing of each moment.
Which wildlife encounter has been the most unforgettable or life-changing for you so far?
The most unforgettable wildlife encounter I have had was photographing an elephant named Madhuri in Corbett, standing over the lifeless body of a monitor lizard. I still wonder whether the lizard was killed by her, as elephants are herbivores.
Are there any moments of fear or awe that stand out from your fieldwork?
This also happened in Corbett National Park, while I was shooting a big tusker one evening in Dhikala Chaur, when the tusker charged at my vehicle. The gypsy wouldn’t start, and the tusker came dangerously close. That was when I truly realized the immense size of a wild tusker. Even now, when I see the prints from that incident, I still feel nervous and get goosebumps. I vividly remember my first reaction: to save my precious F5 and 80-200mm lens!
What equipment do you currently use, and what’s one piece of gear you can’t live without in the wild?
My eyes! I can work with any equipment and brand.
Can you share a few field techniques that have helped you get consistently powerful images?
I believe that your knowledge and understanding on the subject and its environment is the most powerful technique in fieldcraft.
How do you see the role of photography in today’s conservation landscape?
Photography is a powerful tool for conservation. I believe there is no protection without projection, when we show the beauty, struggles, and stories of wildlife, people feel connected and inspired to protect it.
Have you been involved in any conservation campaigns or storytelling projects you’d like to talk about?
I conducted a survey of mining activities around the Kudremukh Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The photographs I took were later used to illustrate the impact of mining in Kudremukh before the Supreme Court.
How do you strike a balance between capturing rare moments and ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife?
I always give priority to the safety and comfort of the subjects that I shoot. I prioritize and believe that using longer telephoto lens is very beneficial to the subjects that are being photographed.
How has your journey changed over the years from your early days to the Hira Punjabi we know today?
I don’t think my core values have changed over the years, but I have evolved and adapted with and the advances in technology.
What is one key lesson you’ve learned about wildlife and about yourself through your photography?
The rhythm and cycles of nature and wildlife are different from the way we live our lives. It is important to align our lives with those rhythms, as the happiness it brings is truly unmatched.
What advice would you offer aspiring wildlife photographers who are just starting out?
Be a naturalist first!
How important is patience and fieldcraft in comparison to technical knowledge for a wildlife photographer?
All of these aspects and skills play a crucial role in being a good wildlife photographer.
Is there a dream destination or species you still wish to photograph?
In my remaining lifetime I have many places that I wish to travel, one of them is Antartica.
Are there any upcoming projects, books, or exhibitions you’re currently working on?
I am working on a coffee table book.
Looking ahead, how do you hope your work will inspire others or contribute to the natural world?
This depends on the eye of the beholder. I always try to capture something meaningful in images, and I believe that it depends on the viewer to understand or empathize with the subject and its meaning.
