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The Smaller Kingdom: Macro Photography and Herpetology

byHemaBased in Mumbai; travels across India for photography assignmentsStarts from₹18,000 Per DayView full gallery

Often, it is the creatures right beneath our feet that hold the most fascinating stories. From the vibrant fan-throated lizards of Maharashtra to the translucent frogs of Madagascar, I use macro photography to give these small wonders the attention they deserve.

A macro shot of the eye of a Malagasy giant chameleon. The incredible spiral texture and detail show a world within a world, highlighting the beauty that can be found when you look closely.

India's flamboyant flirt, the Fan-throated Lizard, displays its colorful dewlap in Maharashtra. This vibrant fan is used to attract mates and intimidate rivals, a spectacular show of color and behavior.

This award-winning photo shows a translucent Boophis Viridis frog in Madagascar, with its eggs visible through its skin. This image highlights the delicate and miraculous nature of life.

A portrait of the Malagasy giant chameleon, the world's largest chameleon species. Its textured skin and rotating eyes make it a fascinating subject to photograph.

A Saw-scaled Viper hides among flowers in the Thar Desert. Though small, this species is highly venomous and aggressive, a reminder that danger in the wild comes in all sizes.

The incredible camouflage of a Leaf-tailed Gecko in Madagascar. Its skin texture and color allow it to blend in perfectly with the bark of a tree, making it almost invisible.

A Giant Millipede climbs a mossy tree in Madagascar. This low-angle, wide-shot gives the small invertebrate a larger-than-life presence, emphasizing its place in the forest ecosystem.

The Boophis Viridis frog from Madagascar has stunning blue irises and nearly transparent skin. Documenting these unique features is key to showcasing the incredible diversity of the island.

A Panther Chameleon from Madagascar seems to smile for the camera. Their ability to change color and their expressive faces make them one of my favorite subjects.

The Persian Dwarf Gecko from the Thar Desert is a tiny jewel of a creature. Macro photography allows me to reveal the stunning colors and patterns on animals that are barely an inch long.

About The Smaller Kingdom: Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates

Macro photography demands more than just a lens. It requires deep patience and an understanding of animal behavior. Whether I am lying in the dust of the Thar Desert to capture a sand boa or waiting in the dense forests of Andasibe for a chameleon to change color, my priority is always the subject's comfort. I do not use artificial setups or force animals to pose. I document their lives exactly as they unfold in the wild, ensuring the imagery is as honest as it is detailed.

Award-winning macro documentation across two continents. — Approved by the tribe
H

Hema

Based in Mumbai; travels across India for photography assignmentsStarts from ₹18,000 Per Day

I believe that a creature’s size has nothing to do with the scale of its story. Spending hours waiting for a leaf-tailed gecko to reveal itself in the wild is where I find my peace, and I bring that same dedication to every project I take on. Whether you need documentation for research or high-end imagery for a campaign, I am here to help you capture the intricate details of the natural world.

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