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Behind the lens: Wildlife photography and field process

byMahesh ReddyShips across India; Visit studio in Koramangala, BengaluruStarts from₹4,000 per printView full gallery

Fifteen years in the wild has taught me that the best photographs are not taken, they are waited for. This is a look at the patience and the process behind the work.

After 15 years of hearing "your camera takes good photos," I can say it's the patience, the knowledge, and the love for the wild that truly make the shot. The camera is just the tool that helps me share the story.

About Behind The Lens

You might notice the sharp detail in my prints, but that comes from field craft, not just the Canon 1DX Mark II and 600mm F4 setup I carry. I spend days in silence to understand animal patterns so I can frame the shot before the action starts, which is why my prints retain that raw, unstaged feeling that captures the true nature of the animal.

15 years of professional wildlife photography — Approved by the tribe
M

Mahesh Reddy

Ships across India; Visit studio in Koramangala, BengaluruStarts from ₹4,000 per print

I am Mahesh. After 15 years of living in forests from Tadoba to Africa, I have learned that the jungle does not reveal itself to those in a hurry. I bring that same patience to every print I make and every safari I lead.

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A typical Saturday for me, out in the field from sunrise to sunset. My camera and lens are my constant companions in the search for wildlife.5
Waiting for the golden hour light near the wetlands. Planning my shoots around the best light is a critical part of my process to create beautiful images.
On a boat in Nalsarovar, Gujarat, to get closer to the wetland birds. Accessing remote areas is often necessary to photograph shy species in their natural habitat.
Set up and ready in a local birding hotspot. Consistency and dedication are key; I am out shooting almost every weekend.

Behind the Lens: My Wildlife Photography Process

G
Gaurav YadavTravels for wildlife shoots across India
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Wildlife Photography & Fieldcraft Stories

K
Karan SolankiBased in Mumbai; Travels across India for wildlife shoots
This is the moment I live for. After hours of waiting in the Serengeti, the sun dipped low and painted the sky in gold, silhouetting these two kings against the horizon. It’s a real-life Lion King scene, a reminder of the raw majesty that exists in the wild. This print brings that epic, golden-hour magic straight to your wall.7
Meeting Craig, the legendary super tusker of Amboseli, was a spiritual experience. Standing before him, you feel the weight of his history and the gentle wisdom in his eyes. This full-color print captures his immense presence and the vibrant life of the savanna, making you feel like you're right there with him.
This is the shot that changed everything for me. Capturing the "Flying Hunt" was a heart-pounding moment of pure adrenaline and respect for the cheetah's incredible speed. This image freezes that split-second of raw power and survival, a dramatic story of life and death on the plains.
In the vast, silent Arctic, I saw this polar bear emerge from the shadows. The light caught the edge of its fur, creating a halo effect that felt otherworldly. This print is all about drama and mystery, a testament to the quiet power of the kings of the ice.

Featured Wildlife Photography Highlights

D
Deepak ShankarShips across India
A tiger finds calm in the middle of a heavy thunderstorm in Tadoba. I believe that even when the light is "bad," we can make art. This is what I teach: to see the wild as your canvas, no matter the weather.8
The Kenyan sky is a painting, and we are just there to frame it. Here, an elephant walks under a dramatic sky at dusk in the Masai Mara. This is a moment of pure silhouette magic, where gold and blue tell the story.
Beyond color, there is character. This black and white portrait of a lion from Masai Mara focuses on his soul. I teach my students how to use monochrome to reveal texture, mood, and the raw power of the subject.
A coastal brown bear leaps for its meal. Capturing action like this is about anticipating the moment and being technically ready. On my tours, we get you in the right place to nail these high-energy shots.

My Wildlife Photography Portfolio: Light, Motion, and the Wild

K
Kapil SharmaField workshops across major national parks in India and Kenya
A rare moment of high-altitude drama as two African Fish Eagles lock talons in a territorial dispute over Lake Naivasha. Capturing such aerobatic combat requires immense patience and quick reflexes, showcasing the raw, untamed nature of these magnificent birds of prey.10
This collage is the culmination of a personal quest to document all nine kingfisher species found in India. From the large Crested Kingfisher to the tiny Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, each bird is a jewel of our subcontinent's rich biodiversity.
A majestic Palla's Fish Eagle perches with its wings spread wide, drying them in the morning sun at Corbett National Park. This powerful pose highlights the impressive wingspan and commanding presence of this formidable raptor.
A perfect example of symbiosis in the wild, this Rufous Treepie forages for insects on the face of a Sambar deer. This unique interaction, where both animal and bird benefit, is a fascinating behavior to witness and photograph.

Featured Wildlife Photography Moments

R
RageshShips across India
Photographing a kingfisher dive was high on my list. After many failed attempts, I finally captured this female Common Kingfisher retreating from the water after a failed hunt, with the splash frozen in time against the dark background.11
A Smooth Coated Otter enjoying a swim in a lotus pond at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. I love this shot because it captures the pure joy and character of the animal in its beautiful, natural habitat.
This is the moment the leopard Simba emerged from the dense green foliage in Jhalana. The photo captures his stealthy movement and intense gaze as he stalks forward, perfectly camouflaged by his surroundings.
A juvenile Painted Stork coming in for a landing at Sultanpur National Park. A passing raptor had sent the whole flock into the sky, and I caught this one as it gracefully returned to its perch against the misty morning background.

Wildlife in Motion: Capturing Animal Behavior

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IshaanShips fine art prints across India and Australia

More from Fine Art Wildlife Prints & Image Licensing by Mahesh Reddy

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Guided Wildlife Photography Tours & Safaris
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