Behind the Lens: My Wildlife Photography Process
Ever wonder what goes into getting that one perfect shot? It usually involves a lot of mud, hours of waiting, and more than a few bad hair days. Here is a look at what happens behind my camera.
This is me in my element at Satpura National Park. My photography journey started in 2019 and I've been hooked ever since. There's something special about being out in nature, waiting for that perfect moment.
A shot of me focused on a subject. I've loved animals since I was a kid watching nature documentaries, and photography is my way of sharing that passion and telling their stories.
Getting the right angle often means getting into some weird positions. Here I am using a fallen log as a natural tripod to get a stable, low-angle shot of wildlife at the water's edge.
About Behind The Lens
When I am out in places like Bharatpur or Satpura, I am usually lying on the ground, waiting for hours for a bird to land or a leopard to emerge. It is not about having the most expensive gear, but having the patience to get the angle right and the willingness to get a little dirty while doing it.
Photography for me is less about the technical specifications and more about the connection to the subject. My kit is usually just my Canon 80D paired with a Sigma 150-600mm lens, which gives me the reach I need without weighing me down too much while I am trekking through the bush.
The Reality of Field Work
People often see the final image—the sharp eye of a raptor or the pattern on a leopard’s coat—but they rarely see the three hours I spent sitting on a fallen log, swatting away bugs and trying to keep my hair out of my face. Being a wildlife photographer means being ready for the unexpected. I rely on natural light, which changes by the second, and I often have to adjust my settings on the fly to capture that fleeting moment of behavior.
My Approach to Photography
I don't just point and shoot. I observe. Whether I am experimenting with in-camera double exposures or trying to get a perfect low-key portrait of a common pigeon, I am always thinking about how to tell a story through the frame.
- Patience: Often, the best subjects are the ones that take the longest to appear.
- Gear: My Canon 80D is my go-to, but the real work is done by the person holding it.
- Perspective: I am always looking for new angles, even if it means shooting from the ground or using natural framing like branches and logs.
If you want to understand my process or join me for a session to learn how to spot wildlife and frame your own shots, let's chat.
Ishaan
I'm Ishaan, a 17-year-old wildlife photographer living for the next surprise in the wild. Whether I am tracking leopards or just hanging out on my terrace waiting for a bird, I am always looking for that next story. Photography for me is about patience, a bit of luck, and a whole lot of mud.
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