Powerful Wildlife Moments and Conservation Stories
I have spent my life documenting the wild, from the bustling coastlines of Mumbai to the hidden corners of the Western Ghats. This collection brings together the moments that define why I do this work: the beauty, the survival, and the fragile connection between us and nature.
A female Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, a flash of rainbow colours, with a freshly caught skink. It’s a privilege to witness these dedicated parents working tirelessly to feed their newborn chicks during the monsoon.
An eye-to-eye portrait of a majestic Indian Spectacled Cobra. My goal is to capture the calm dignity of these often-misunderstood reptiles, showing their beauty rather than invoking fear.
Come with me to the shores of Mumbai where I document the surprisingly rich sea snake population. This video explains their behavior, their importance to the marine ecosystem, and the threats they face from fishing bycatch.
A family of Sarus Cranes, the world's tallest flying birds, forages peacefully in an agricultural field in Gujarat. This image captures the delicate balance of coexistence between wildlife and human settlements.
A line of migratory Black-headed Gulls rests at the Gateway of India during a golden winter morning. This shot is special to me as it blends Mumbai's iconic cityscape with the transient beauty of wildlife.
A rare find, the 'Toxomantis westwoodi' mantis, which was only the 10th recorded sighting in India. Moments like these show how much is still left to discover and why documenting biodiversity is so important.
This is me at work, getting an intimate, wide-angle shot of an Indian Spectacled Cobra. It takes immense patience and respect to get this close, always ensuring the animal's safety and comfort come first.
The simple silhouette of a Brahminy Starling against a golden hour sky. I love using light and shadow to create dramatic, emotional scenes that highlight the quiet moments in nature.
Experience what herping in the Northern Western Ghats feels like during the monsoon. This is a compilation of some of the incredible reptiles and amphibians I encountered, from chameleons to various snake species.
A charming Deccan Banded Gecko cleans its eye with its tongue. Since they lack eyelids, this is a fascinating behavior to observe and photograph, showcasing the unique adaptations of the reptile world.
About Featured
It is not just about waiting for the light. Whether I am tracking the monsoon migration in the Western Ghats or documenting urban biodiversity in Mumbai, every shot I take is rooted in ethical practice. If you are interested in wildlife photography, I can teach you the fieldcraft, from tracking and reading alarm calls to camera settings, that I use in the field every single day.
Photography is my primary tool for advocacy and education. In this collection, you will see why I prefer the golden hour for its soft light, which reveals textures often missed in harsh daylight. I aim to move beyond simple portraiture; I want to show you the animal in its true habitat.
My work covers everything from the macro world of insects to the wide-angle reality of the Deccan Plateau. When I document species like the Indian Spectacled Cobra or the rare Toxomantis westwoodi, I am not just capturing a subject. I am documenting a story of survival. This approach helps people realize that creatures we often fear or ignore are vital components of our environment.
I believe that nature conservation starts with curiosity. My goal is to break stereotypes, particularly regarding snakes and other reptiles. By highlighting behaviors like the Sarus Crane's foraging or the Black-headed Gulls' migration in Mumbai, I hope to spark respect for the fragile ecosystems we share. Whether I am leading a private herping expedition or conducting a habitat documentation shoot, my focus remains the same: the welfare of the animal comes first. Every image here is a step toward greater awareness, one frame at a time.
Karan Solanki
I am Karan, and my life has been dedicated to documenting and protecting India’s wild side since I was eight. I do not just take pictures, as I use my camera to bridge the gap between people and the misunderstood creatures sharing our world.
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