Mammals and Reptiles Wildlife Photography
From tracking leopards in Jhalana to capturing the quiet life of wetland reptiles, I focus on the patience and technique behind every encounter.
This is Simba, an Indian Leopard from Jhalana Leopard Reserve. This encounter was a favorite of mine. After a frantic jeep ride across the park, he emerged from the bush and walked right towards us. His striking blue eyes are a unique trait, and capturing this intense gaze was an unforgettable moment.
The moment of emergence. This is Simba the leopard stepping out of the thick green foliage at Jhalana. Luck was on my side as our jeep stalled just as he appeared, allowing me to capture this intense, head-on shot as he walked towards us.
I captured this Eastern Grey Kangaroo at Lysterfield Park in Melbourne as the sun was setting. By positioning myself against the dying light, I was able to create this powerful rim-lit portrait, highlighting its form against the dark background and lush green grass.
As the sun set in Lysterfield Park, Australia, I positioned myself to catch the last rays of light illuminating the fur of this Eastern Grey Kangaroo. This created a dramatic rim-lit, low-key silhouette that emphasizes its shape against the darkness.
While tracking a family of Smooth Coated Otters in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, they moved into this lotus pond. I love how this shot captures the otter's playful personality, with its head popping up amongst the vibrant pink water lilies. It’s a perfect blend of wildlife and its beautiful environment.
A family of Smooth Coated Otters fishing in Singapore. I used the bright, reflective water surface to create a high-key background, which puts all the focus on the action as this otter enjoys its lunch.
A male Chital, or Spotted Deer, showing off its impressive antlers in Satpura Tiger Reserve. This was taken after a heavy monsoon rain, and the lush green background makes the details of the deer stand out beautifully.
An Estuarine Crocodile swimming straight towards me in Singapore. The bright, reflective water creates a high-key effect, giving this shot a tense, almost ethereal feel as the scaled beast emerges from the white.
The same Estuarine Crocodile, captured moments later but processed in black and white. This version emphasizes the menacing texture of its scales and the dark, rippling water, creating a more primal and intimidating portrait.
A young Mangrove Pit-Viper in Pasir Ris Park, Singapore. I used selective color on this shot, keeping its piercing amber eye in color while turning the rest of the scene black and white to draw attention to its gaze.
About Mammals & Reptiles
Wildlife photography is rarely about walking up to an animal; it is about reading the signs, managing your gear, and being ready when the subject finally emerges. Whether we are chasing big cats or waiting for a viper to bask, my sessions focus on getting it right in the camera. If you are looking to join me in the field, expect to learn how to track, how to anticipate movement, and how to use your light—not just how to press the shutter button.
The Field Experience
Whether we are in the dusty trails of Jhalana or local wetlands, my approach remains the same: it is about the story, not just the shot. Wildlife photography requires a mix of biology and technical precision. We don't just hike around hoping for a sighting; we track, listen for alarm calls, and observe behavior to put ourselves in the right spot at the right time.
Technical Craft
I shoot primarily on a Canon 80D with a Sigma 150-600mm lens. This combination gives me the reach I need without having to get too close and disturb the animals. During a session, I will help you master settings that most people struggle with in the field:
- ISO Management: Handling shifting light during golden hour.
- Framing and Bokeh: Isolating subjects to create clean, professional portraits.
- Lighting: Using natural elements to create high-key or low-key effects in-camera, rather than relying on heavy post-processing later.
What to Expect
If you book a session, come prepared for the wild—which means being okay with the wait. We might spend hours without seeing a thing, or we might have a frantic, adrenaline-filled ten minutes. My goal is to teach you how to remain calm and focused during those moments so you come away with portfolio-grade action shots, whether it is a leopard's intense gaze or a crocodile's subtle movement in the water. We will also cover the identification of species and ethics, ensuring you can document the wild responsibly.
Ishaan
Hey, Ishaan here. I’m the guy who’ll chase leopards through dusty trails one day, then spend hours on a terrace or in a swamp waiting for a snake to bask in the light the next. I don't just shoot wildlife; I live for the story behind the shutter.
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