Capturing Authentic Animal Behaviour in the Wild
Wildlife photography is all about patience. Whether it is a flamingo courtship dance or a kingfisher's quick meal, I wait for the story to unfold in front of my lens 🦩.
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.
A fascinating moment between two Blue-tailed Bee-eaters. This beak-to-beak interaction is a form of courtship feeding, a behaviour that strengthens their bond.
Another shot of the Blue-tailed Bee-eaters' interaction, showing their agility and the delicate way they connect.
A White-cheeked Barbet with a grasshopper, a yummy meal. It's always great to capture these feeding moments.
A Bluethroat enjoying its morning breakfast, a freshly caught insect.
A Red-breasted Flycatcher beating the summer heat with a refreshing splash.
The Red-breasted Flycatcher enjoying its bath, with water droplets frozen in mid-air.
A joyful splash from the Red-breasted Flycatcher during its bath time.
A moment of calm for the Red-breasted Flycatcher after a vigorous splash.
Another energetic splash from the Red-breasted Flycatcher, trying to cool off.
About Moments in the Wild: Animal Behaviour
You will not find forced poses in my work. When I track subjects like the Red-breasted Flycatcher or Blue-tailed Bee-eaters, I rely on hours of field observation. I prefer to stay low and wait for the natural behaviour to surface, whether it is courtship feeding or a mid-day bath in a local creek. It is about understanding the rhythm of the animal before clicking the shutter 🧿.
The Art of the Wait
Wildlife photography is rarely about running after a subject. It is about standing still and letting the wild come to you. My best shots often come after spending hours in silence, observing the patterns of local wildlife. By predicting when a bird might dive for a fish or when a mother macaque will cradle her infant, I am able to capture these raw moments without disturbing their natural state.
Technical Precision
For these behaviour shots, I primarily use my Nikon D7500 paired with a 200-500mm lens. This setup gives me the reach required to catch intimate details like the delicate spray of water during a flycatcher's bath or the focused eyes of a raptor. I focus on using natural light, often shooting during the golden hour to get that soft glow on plumage and textures.
Field Spots in Maharashtra
From the outskirts of Panvel to the wetlands of Thane Creek, I document the rich biodiversity of our region. Whether it is tracking a monsoon catch or waiting for the winter flamingo migration, I keep my gear ready for the 'surprise sighting'.
Learning to See
Capturing animal behaviour, like the courtship dance of flamingos, helps people connect with the wild right here in the city. If you want to learn how to frame these fast-moving subjects or spot behaviour patterns in the field, I offer private mentorship sessions. We practice these techniques in real-time, helping you move past simple snapshots to capturing stories of life in the wild.
Aashish Patil
I am Aashish, a birder based in Navi Mumbai. My camera is my therapy, and I spend most of my days waiting by the creek for that one perfect, split-second shot. I love showing people the wild side of our city, where nature is always doing something interesting if you just sit still long enough 💙.
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