Behind the Lens: Wildlife Photography & Published Work
I’m a photographer, author, and conservationist. This is a look into my life behind the camera, from my published field guides to features in National Geographic and Sanctuary Asia.
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 recognized and used to support the protection of these incredible animals.
The cover of my book, "Urban Birds of Juhu." This project started during lockdown and grew into a comprehensive field guide documenting the 121 bird species in my neighborhood. It's a dream come true to share my love for birds with my community.
The opening page of my feature story in Sanctuary Asia magazine. Seeing my photos and words in print, telling the story of Juhu's winged neighbors, was an incredibly proud and rewarding moment.
The second page of my Sanctuary Asia feature. It's a culmination of years of work, observation, and a deep connection to the wildlife that shares our urban spaces.
So grateful to National Geographic India for featuring my photo of a Rhesus Macaque. They jokingly called it my self-portrait, which I find hilarious! It's an honor to be featured by such an iconic institution.
Say hello to my bazooka! Me with my telephoto lens during a pelagic birding trip in Mumbai. This is the gear that allows me to get those intimate, close-up shots of wildlife without disturbing them.
In my element during a safari, scanning the horizon for any signs of movement. Nature photography is 99% waiting and 1% capturing the perfect shot.
An action-packed safari sequence. This is me, focused and ready, during a winter trip to Dudhwa. You have to be prepared for anything in the jungle.
Taking a break during a birding trip. My friend captured this moment of me just enjoying the peace of the forest.
Another shot from the same birding trip. It's not always about looking through the lens; sometimes it's about soaking in the atmosphere of the wild.
About Behind the Lens & Published Work
People often ask about the gear I carry or how I get those intimate shots. The secret isn't just the lens; it is spending hours in complete silence, letting the forest accept my presence. Whether I am documenting the 121 bird species in my Juhu neighborhood for my field guide or partnering with Panthera for cat conservation, every image here represents a slow, deliberate connection with the wild.
Photography, for me, is about patience. My transition from a nature lover to a published author of 'Urban Birds of Juhu' started as a simple lockdown project, turning neighborhood observations into a field guide. It proves that you do not always need to travel deep into a remote reserve to find wildlife. Nature is thriving right here in our urban pockets, provided you just look.
My work with Sanctuary Asia and Panthera is not just about capturing a pretty photo. It is about advocacy. I use my lens to help local NGOs and conservationists tell stories that lead to habitat protection.
Regarding the gear, yes, I carry a heavy telephoto lens, but it is purpose-built to maintain distance. My ethics are non-negotiable. I never bait or stress animals for a shot. If I am not behind the camera, I am likely scanning the horizon, waiting for that one moment where the wild feels comfortable enough to reveal itself to me.
Saloni Tirodkar
I’m Saloni, and forests feel like home to me. I don't just photograph animals; I try to listen to them. Whether I am tracking tigers in Ranthambore or documenting birds in my Juhu backyard, I am always searching for that silent, shared understanding.
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