Behind the Lens: My Journey in Wildlife and Conservation
Welcome to my field office. From trekking through deep forests to documenting the birdlife in my neighborhood, this is where my worlds of photography and animal communication collide.
Me on safari, ready for action with my cameras. I call them my bazookas! This is my happy place, out in the wild, ready to capture a story.
A huge milestone! I am officially a Partner Photographer for Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization. It's an honor to have my work support their mission.
The cover of my book, "Urban Birds of Juhu." This project started during lockdown and grew into a comprehensive field guide to the 121 bird species in my neighborhood.
A quick glimpse from an author meet and greet for my book. It's always fun to connect with fellow bird lovers and share stories.
A photo of me with the Masked Booby I had been hoping to see for a year. The smile on my face says it all!
Another shot from my encounter with the Masked Booby. It was a patient wait, but the connection was worth it.
A final shot of my meeting with the Masked Booby. These are the moments that fuel my passion for wildlife.
About this collection
People often ask how I balance the heavy camera gear with the delicate work of intuitive communication. The truth is, they are two sides of the same coin. My camera captures the physical beauty of the animal, while my communication work allows me to understand the soul behind those eyes. Whether I am tracking a tiger in the wild or helping a pet at home, my mission is always to bridge the gap between us and the animals we share this planet with.
My path has never been a straight line. It started with simple curiosity, watching the birds in my backyard, and grew into a lifelong dedication to wildlife photography and conservation. During the 2020 lockdown, I started a small project documenting local species in Juhu. That quickly turned into my field guide, 'Urban Birds of Juhu,' which now lists 121 species. It was a proud moment to see my neighborhood through such a different lens.
My gear, which I affectionately call my 'bazookas,' has seen some incredible sights. I have spent years as a wildlife photographer, documenting everything from the playful cubs of Tadoba to the elusive leopards of Jhalana. Being named a Partner Photographer for Panthera was a huge milestone for me, but it really just fueled my desire to keep documenting these majestic creatures.
Ethics are non-negotiable in my work. Whether I am on a high-stakes safari or in a quiet park, I prioritize the animal's comfort above the perfect shot. I wait patiently for the right moment, like the year I spent waiting for the Masked Booby. That patience pays off, not just in the photos, but in the trust I build with the subjects I photograph and communicate with.
Saloni Tirodkar
I’m Saloni. I spend more time in forest gear than formal wear, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My life is dedicated to capturing the wild, documenting urban species, and teaching others how to truly listen to the animals around them.
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