Featured Wildlife Photography Highlights
Moments of stillness, captured in the wild. From the pink skies of Navi Mumbai to the elusive gaze of the forest, here are the shots that mean the most to me.
This is Maya, a stunning female leopard from Rajaji National Park. After hours of waiting, I was rewarded with this intense gaze and a clear view of her piercing blue eyes, a rare trait that makes this sighting truly once in a lifetime.
There is nothing quite like an epic sunset over the creek, with a flock of flamingos taking flight. This is the magic of Navi Mumbai that I get to witness and feel privileged to capture.
I call this one the 'Colour Bomber'. The Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher is one of the most vibrant and tiny jewels of the forest, and capturing its brilliant plumage in Panvel was a moment of pure joy.
A moment of unconditional love between two Great Hornbills. Capturing this tender interaction, which won an appreciation at the Sony All India Corporate Photography Contest, required immense patience and a bit of luck.
Welcome to the 'Pink Traffic Jam' of Navi Mumbai. It is an incredible sight when thousands of flamingos gather at the creek, creating a vibrant spectacle against the urban landscape.
The majestic Greater Spotted Eagle. This video shows the process, from spotting it in the field to the final, detailed portrait showcasing the intricate patterns on its feathers.
This is my therapy. The journey is as important as the destination. This is a glimpse into my process, heading out on the trails with my gear, ready for whatever nature has in store.
A different kind of Mumbai sunset. I love finding these unique compositions where the setting sun perfectly aligns with the city's architecture, creating a powerful silhouette.
A rare and exciting encounter with a Striped Hyena. Its curious expression and striking stripes made for a powerful photograph, a testament to the surprising biodiversity you can find if you are patient.
The male Asian Paradise Flycatcher in all its glory. The long, elegant white tail streamers make it a truly heavenly sight, and I was thrilled to capture this one perched so perfectly.
About Featured
These images are my 'surprise sightings'—the moments when nature decides to reveal itself. From the pink traffic jam of flamingos in my backyard to the intense gaze of a leopard in the wild, each frame requires hours of stillness. I use my Nikon setup to get close, but the real work happens in the long, quiet wait before the shutter clicks.
Photography is my therapy. It is not about chasing the perfect shot, but about understanding the habitat. Whether I am trekking through the biodiversity hotspots of Tamhini Ghat or watching the flamingos at Thane Creek, my goal is always to capture the animal in its own world, without forced poses.
Behind the Lens
I use a Nikon Z9 and 200-500mm lens to ensure I can maintain a respectful distance while still getting those detailed, intimate shots. You will notice that many of these photos, like the Great Hornbill courtship or the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, rely on natural lighting. I prefer the sunrise and sunset hours, the golden hour, when the light turns the landscape into something else entirely.
My Approach to Wildlife
- No Staging: I wait for the animal to act. If the kingfisher does not dive, I do not shoot. Patience is the only gear that matters.
- Local Knowledge: My home in Navi Mumbai is a sanctuary. I spend my days learning the creek's rhythms, which allows me to predict where the flock will land.
- Technical Precision: From shutter speeds that freeze a dive to noise reduction in low-light forest shots, I ensure the final file is print-ready for your home or office.
If you see a moment here that resonates, it is likely because it took hours, sometimes days, of silence to witness it. That is the nature of the work.
Aashish Patil
I am Aashish, a birder from Navi Mumbai. My camera is my therapy, and the creek is my playground. I do not believe in forcing poses; I just wait for the wild to show up.
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