Feathered Jewels of India
India’s forests hide a vibrant world of birds, from the shy Malabar parakeet to the striking Blue-bearded bee-eater. Join me as we venture into the Western Ghats and beyond to capture these winged jewels in their natural habitat.
Two Malabar parakeets interact on a branch of a blooming Malabar silk cotton tree. Capturing this dynamic interaction with the vibrant red flowers was a highlight of this parakeet photo tour.
A pair of Plum headed parakeets perched amongst the red flowers of a Malabar silk cotton tree. The contrast between the birds' colors and the flowers makes for a beautiful composition.
The magnificent Blue bearded Bee-eater, the largest of all bee-eater species, seen here with a freshly caught insect. Its iridescent blue and green plumage is stunning to photograph.
The Asian Fairy-bluebird, photographed in the beautiful forests of Thattekad, Kerala. The male's brilliant blue upperparts make it a truly striking subject.
An endangered Lion-tailed Macaque poses against a colorful backdrop of blooming spathodea flowers in Valparai. This is the best place in the world to see and photograph these amazing primates.
About Feathered Jewels of India
Bird photography is 90 percent patience and 10 percent knowing exactly where to point your lens. On my tours, I do not just take you to the birds. I teach you to anticipate their movement, such as how to frame the Asian Fairy-bluebird against a soft natural bokeh or track a parakeet in flight. It is about understanding the behavior behind the shot, whether we are in the canopy of Thattekad or the rainforests of Valparai, so you walk away with stories rather than just high shutter counts.
Beyond the Portrait
Birding is rarely just about the static shot. We focus on context, capturing the bird’s interaction with its environment—a parakeet nestled in the Bombax ceiba (silk cotton) blooms or a bee-eater with its catch. My goal is to help you move beyond simple bird identification images and start creating 'tigerscapes' for birds, where the habitat tells as much of the story as the subject itself.
Field Mentorship
When we are deep in the jungle, lighting conditions change by the second. You will learn the nuances of shutter speeds for birds-in-flight and how to manage harsh light. I personally guide you through my own settings, including histogram management, focus tracking modes, and how to capture that perfect 'catchlight' in the eye. We operate in small groups, ensuring you get the space and quiet needed to approach these creatures ethically.
The Expedition Experience
We spend our mornings and evenings in hotspots like the Western Ghats, where I share techniques for tracking species like the Lion-tailed macaque or elusive hornbills. Whether you are shooting on a mirrorless Canon setup or just getting comfortable with your gear, we make sure every frame counts. My workshops are designed for anyone who loves the wild, from absolute beginners to pros looking to shake up their portfolio.
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